Bishop Willehald built first wooden dome in Bremen in 789, one week before he died. Historian Adam of Bremen once stated it was of “Von wunderbarer Schönheit“ (incredible beauty). However, it was totally destroyed between 792 – 799 and in 805 the first sandstone dome replaced it. The cathedral primarily built of sandstone features a triple-nave pillar basilica with two crypts and hailed from the 11th century. Chapel extensions and dual towers facades were added in the 13th century.On January 27, 1638 the dilapidated South tower of the dome collapsed and buried two small houses, which were located next to it. 8 people died in that accident. The council writer Metje who walked out to the street that very moment, describes the incident with the following words. “as soon as I walked out of the door, I heard rumbling and breaking as if someone broke a thousand wooden rails at one time. I look up at the tower, and I thought my heart would stop! I long crack from top to bottom, and while I’m still looking at it, it became wider and the roof disappeared into the tower – than the walls began to collapse!”Eight years later, another accident occurred: On February 1656, the North tower burnt down after being struck by lightning. The South tower had not been rebuilt at this time.In the 1880’s there appeared plans for the new construction of the dome. Those were supported by Franz Ernst Schütte and financed by the Bremen citizens. In 1943, during an air attack by allied forces in the World War II, the dome was hit by firebombs. Only one church window was destroyed. In March of 1945 a bomb exploded on the North-side of the dome, which resulted in large parts of the vaults collapsing and the building was put in danger of collapsing. By 1950 the damaged vaults had been restored.It has been an exhibition site for the items that were recovered by archaeological diggings from 1973 to 1984. From time to time some artefacts by the Bremen Catholic Church from past centuries are also displayed. The museum was expanded and financed by the Bremer Dome Foundation e.V. in 1995. Medieval murals, which are the most well-preserved in Bremen and were probably painted right before the altar dedication in 1411 were discovered by accident.The regular guided tours of the dome take place every Wednesday and on the 1st Sunday of every month at 03:00PM. Reservations are not required.
Photo St.-Petri-Dom Bremen by larsjuh is licensed under CC BY 2.0