Ulmer Munster: Germany’s Divine Attraction
Ulm Church, located in Ulm, Germany is the tallest church in the world. A Lutheran church whose construction began in the Gothic Era is also the 4th tallest structure that was built before the 20th century. The church has in all 768 steps, and the final staircase that leads to the top is so narrow that it barely has room for even a single person.
Due to the magnanimous size of the church, it is often referred to as a Cathedral. But, Ulm church is not a cathedral since it has never been the seat of a bishop since the completion of its construction.
Location
Ulm Minster (Ulm Church) is located at Munsterplatz, Ulm in Germany.
Weather
The city of Ulm has a warm and temperate climate. Precipitation in Ulm is significant, with occurrences of rainfall even during the driest months. The average annual temperature is 8.9 degrees Celsius. Average rainfall throughout the year is 726m. February is the driest month of the year. July is the hottest month, with a rise in the temperature at 17.5 degree Celsius. January is the coldest month with a drop in the temperature at 0.1 degree Celsius.
History
The idea for the construction of a church inside the boundaries of Ulm made home in the minds of the burghers of Ulm in the 14th century. In the year 1377, the foundation stone for Ulm church was laid. In the initial architectural plan, the church was supposed to have three naves of equal heights, a choir and two steeples above it with a main spire to the west. In the year 1392, the church got its master builder, Ulrich Ensingen who was also associated with the construction of Strasbourg Cathedral. It was Ensingen’s idea to make the church tower in the west the tallest spire, which can be seen even today.
It was in 1405, that with longitudinal naves, choir and a temporary roof, Ulm church was sanctified. But the structural damage caused by the difference between the height and the weight of naves and the vault led way to the reconstruction of lateral naves supported by a row of columns in the centre.
The Reformation Movement in 1530 brought along with it a referendum in Ulm where most of its citizens converted to Protestantism. Thus, Ulm church was constructed as a Lutheran church.
Due to a large number of political (Thirty Years’ War, The Spanish Succession), religious (The Reformation) and economic reasons (a steady decline in economy due to a shift in trade routes that followed the discovery of America and India), the church’s construction had to be withheld a few times. The construction was finally resumed in 1817 where all the three steeples of the church were finally completed. But it was on 30th May 1890 that the Ulm Church was completely constructed.
The Ulm Church houses many brilliant works of Art. The tympanum on the Western entrance depicts scenes from the Genesis. A column in the church is adorned with a sculpture known as ‘The Man of Sorrows’ that was sculpted by Hans Multscher, a local artist. Later in the modern era, gargogyles were added to the church. Expressionist Ernst Barlach’s sculpture ‘The Beggar’ can also be seen inside the church.
Travelling in the city
The best way to explore the city of Ulm is to walk around the streets. With beautiful buildings dating back to the Reformation and Renaissance Era, this city revives its past even in present times, and thankfully so. Sail in the waters of the longest river in Europe and look at the city of Ulm from a different perspective. A blend of art and history await the visitor at each and every step of the city.
Why visit?
There are very few places in the world that offer you a delightful combination of art, architecture and aesthetics with friendly faces to help you understand such a combination as easily as possible. Ulm is one of those places. This is a city that houses much more than the tallest church in the world. Ulm church is also known as the ‘Finger of God’ that points to heaven. But, if one explores the city completely, there is no argument as to where the real heaven lie. A city that has experienced the influence of The Reformation and The Renaissance, it is mind bogglingly tolerant of new ideas. This is exactly what every monument and every house in the city reflect.
If you crave to step back into the Age of Enlightenment and witness all its beauty, Ulm is the ideal city to do so.
Major attractions
- Danube: This is the longest river in the European Union, and that is not the only reason why you must visit it. Taking a walk along the river bank with your kith and kin will give you the much needed quality time with them. You can also enjoy the sights of various bridges that loom over the waters of this long river. And if you are an adventurous soul, go ahead and take a cruise at the Danube and sail across the river. While doing so, you will also be able to take delight in the old city of Ulm.
- Museum of Bread Culture: If you are a food lover, there is no better place in the world than this museum for you to explore while in Ulm. The Bread Museum houses 18,000 objects made of bread. Not only that, these objects depict the art of bread making traced through the Egyptian times. There are various cultural and technological references regarding the making of bread that will make you believe that there is more to bread than mere yeast, flour and water. After a visit to this museum, you will never look at a piece of bread in the same way again.
- The Crooked House: If you have a penchant for all the weird things, a visit to the crooked house in the city of Ulm is a must. This house holds the title of Guinness for ‘The Crookedest House in the World’, this house has now been converted into a hotel. Taking a walk along the house will make you think that you are walking in a parallel stretchable universe. An optical illusion at its best, this house is a must for anyone who enjoys mind tricks.
- Rathaus: A look from the street at the Rathaus will make your jaw drop in wonder. Beautiful, colourful paintings dating from the Renaissance era adorn the walls of the building. There is an astronomical clock outside the tower as well, that is one of the many rare marvels of Europe. But, the beauty of the building does not end there itself. Take a walk inside the building and witness a replica of the flight instrument that Mr. Berblinger once flew (albeit unsuccessfully). This attraction of Ulm will definitely not disappoint you.
- Fisherman’s Quarter: This street is lined with beautiful houses on cobblestoned paths that date back to the 16th But a look at the bridges around the street will trick your brain into thinking that you are in France, thereby rightfully earning Fisherman’s Quarter the nickname of ‘Petite France’. This hidden gem of Ulm is a visual treat for every kind of visitor.
What else is around?
- Tiergarten Ulm- Friedrichsau
- Kloster Wiblingen
- The Ulm Museum
- Stadhaus
- Metzgerturm
- Albert Einstien Denkmal
- Schworhaus
So plan a trip to this amazing place and go about exploring the beauty of nature with your family and friends. With picturesque locations and the amazing Danube river nearby, Ulmer Munster and its nearby tourist locations offer an experience of a lifetime. So, go ahead and enjoy exploring this place, you won’t regret it; we promise!