Walking. Gossip. Travel.

Tag: Bremen Cathedral

Bremen – Bremen Cathedral

[I originally posted this in April 2018, but I’ve reposted it fixing all the broken image links]

Bremen Cathedral was first constructed as a smaller church in 860, replacing a nearby wooden church by the river. The structure and layout that is seen today dates from 1042, although has been much changed over the centuries.

One of the stained glass windows in the side chapel on the south nave.

These wooden choir stalls made from oak date from the 1360s and were salvaged during a renovation which took place in the earlier nineteenth century.

Rather a decorative cathedral, there are numerous wall paintings and decorations.

The wooden pulpit dates to 1638 when the cathedral was re-opened following a period of closure.

The cathedral’s rose window which has been a feature of the building since the medieval period, although particular one dates from the end of the eighteenth century.

The eastern crypt, used for those wanting quiet worship.

The clock dates from 1647, although I’m not sure what the cathedral are planning to do with it as it’s currently just on display on the floor.

The western crypt, which is still used for christenings.

Located in the western crypt this font is made of bronze and is from the early thirteenth century.

The rather grand nave, brighter than some other cathedrals I’ve visited in northern Europe.

The rather grand wooden front door. Next little visit was to climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower….

December 2, 2024
Bremen – Cathedral Museum

[I originally posted this in April 2018, but have reposted to fix the broken image links]

Located within Bremen Cathedral is a rather lovely museum, for which they make no charge for entry.

There are numerous climate controlled areas in the museum which display old vestments and clothing worn by Bishops at the cathedral. Some of this dates to as early as the twelfth century and it’s surprising that so much has remained relatively undamaged.

Another Lutheran Bible with what appear to be original boards, dating to 1710.

This iron key was used at the Cathedral between 1556 and 1638.

A rather beautiful book, which is a a Lutheran Bible which dates to the seventeenth century, with book experts perhaps able to note if they look carefully that there is some slight fire damage.

This is a Catholic Bible that was used in Mainz, originally printed in 1662.

This mitre is one of the examples that dates back to the twelfth century, with traces of what was once no doubt bright gold still visible.

The interior of the museum has some rather decorative wall paintings which are original.

November 28, 2024
Bremen – Bremen Cathedral (Tower Climb)

[I originally posted this in April 2018 but I’m reporting it now with the broken image links fixed]

When I had arrived at Bremen Cathedral the little ticket desk to the tower was closed, which I was secretly relieved about as that meant I didn’t have to climb it. I have a habit of always wanting to climb things and then immediately regretting it as it’s often too tiring or I’m reminded that I’m scared of heights.

However, on my way out of the Cathedral I noticed that there was a man in the office ready to take money. So I couldn’t resist, paid the €2 and began the climb.

The good news is that the climb is primarily of steps like this, which are enclosed and in solid condition. The bad news is that there are loads of them and people also have to come down the same steps, so there isn’t a huge amount of space.

There was a platform around two thirds of the way up when I had to change which steps I went up, with a view down into a lower room. Unfortunately the cathedral just seems to be using that as a junk store, but it’d be nice to open it up with a little exhibition.

My first reaction was that it was very windy. So windy that it was hard to even hold my phone, with the gusts of wind being enormously strong and rather never-ending. Fortunately, the edges were well protected with wire and netting, although that took away from the photos a little.

One of the circular windows in the tower, which look rather small when viewed from ground level.

Two things occurred to me here. One is that people are leaving money in some strange and inaccessible places which are in danger of blowing onto the heads of people below. The other is that I’ve discovered where the city centre McDonald’s is.

The other end of the cathedral. It was certainly worth the money to climb up to the top and I was fortunate that it wasn’t at all busy, it’s almost a mystery why so few people wanted to go to the top on a windy and rainy day…. There were two visitors I did encounter at the base of the steps, but fortunately they had only climbed up two steps so they went back down again.

November 28, 2024