The three cages hanging from St. Lamberti’s tower tell a grim tale. They are not for birds, nor are they for treasure. These iron cages once held the corpses of Jan van Leiden, Bernhard Krechting, and Bernhard Knipperdolling. They were the leaders of the Münster Rebellion, a radical Anabaptist movement in the 16th century. After they were captured and tortured, their bodies were placed in these cages as a warning to others who might dare to rebel.
St. Lamberti is a Roman Catholic church in Münster, Germany. It was built in the late Gothic style and is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Its construction began in 1375 and took over a hundred years to complete. The church’s name comes from Saint Lambert of Maastricht, who is said to have been martyred in the city.
The church played a key role in the Münster Rebellion. Jan van Leiden, one of the rebel leaders, declared himself king of the city and used St. Lamberti as his headquarters. After the rebellion was crushed, the cages were placed on the tower in 1536 to serve as a public reminder of the consequences of rebellion. Since then, they have become a symbol of the city’s history and its resilience.
Today, St. Lamberti is still a place of worship and a vibrant part of the city’s cultural life. It hosts regular services, concerts, and special events. You can still see the cages up close, although hopefully, they serve as more of a reminder of the city’s past than a warning.