Speyer Cathedral: Massive renovation costs are looming – the decline is progressing!

Speyer Cathedral: Massive renovation costs are looming – the decline is progressing!

Speyer Cathedral, a magnificent UNESCO-protected structure, is the focus of urgent renovation work. Loud TV Middle Rhine The impressive eastern towers show serious damage: the plaster is crumbling and can be removed by hand over large areas. This phenomenon indicates a lack of connection to the masonry - a warning signal that cannot be ignored.

But that's not all. 77 severely damaged stones need to be replaced, and dilapidated concrete ceilings from the 1930s also need to be removed. In order to improve the water flow in the cathedral, a complete redesign is required. These measures have their price: the first construction phase on the southeast tower is valued at 1.2 million euros.

Moisture and renovation

The problems are particularly exacerbated by the increasing heavy rain, which puts strain on the old pipes and leads to damp walls. New channels should help to make the water flow efficient. In addition, 18 figures on the historical depiction “Mount of Olives” are affected by greening, encrustation and vandalism, which underlines the importance of the restoration work.

Meanwhile, pleasant smells and fresh sights spread throughout the cathedral: the stone floor in the crypt has been cleaned and the floors in the main nave are shining again. Modern air conditioning technology will be installed inside to protect the Afra Chapel from mold. A new choir platform should combine function and aesthetics in a wonderful way. And there is also good news for art lovers: A student is working on a restoration concept for a large Schraudolph painting in the vestibule.

A monument of history

Visitors are often surprised by the sheer size of Speyer Cathedral. The Romanesque building has a ceiling height of an impressive 33 meters, is more than 130 meters long and almost 40 meters wide. How RLP Tourism reported, the unadorned interior draws the eye to the royal choir, above which a replica of the grave crown of Emperor Conrad II hovers.

Emperor Conrad II commissioned the building as early as 1027 to show his power. The cathedral was consecrated in 1061, when Conrad had already died. Interestingly, the remains of four Salian emperors, three empresses and four kings are buried in the crypt. Over the centuries the cathedral was not spared; it was devastated in the War of the Palatinate Succession and during the French Revolution. Fortunately, a planned demolition by Napoleon was prevented.

Today, Speyer Cathedral is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is also considered a popular excursion destination, which makes the upcoming renovation measures all the more important. This work is crucial to preserving the impressive heritage for future generations and doing justice to its historical splendor.