Mainz Cathedral
| Mainz | |
|---|---|
| St. Martin's Cathedral | |
| German: Der Hohe Dom zu Mainz | |
 |
|
| Location | Mainz |
| Country | Germany |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Founded | 975 or 976 |
| Dedication | Martin of Tours |
| Dedicated | 29 August 1009 (1st time) |
| Relics held | Chasuble of Willigis |
| Past bishop(s) | Willigis |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style |
Romanesque (original) Gothic (chapels and bell towers) Baroque (roof) |
| Years built | 1928 (organ, by Klais) 1945-1970s (post WWII restoration) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Mainz |
| Province | Freiburg im Breisgau |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Karl Cardinal Lehmann (emeritus) |
| Vicar(s) | Dietmar Giebelmann (administrator dioecesanis) |
| Laity | |
| Organist(s) | Daniel Beckmann |
Mainz Cathedral or St. Martin's Cathedral (German: Mainzer Dom, Martinsdom or, officially, Der Hohe Dom zu Mainz) is located near the historical center and pedestrianized market square of the city of Mainz, Germany. This 1000-year-old Roman Catholic cathedral is the site of the episcopal see of the Bishop of Mainz.
Mainz Cathedral is predominantly Romanesque in style, but later exterior additions over many centuries have resulted in the appearance of various architectural influences seen today. It comprises three naves and stands under the patronage of Saint Martin of Tours. The eastern quire is dedicated to Saint Stephen.
The interior of the cathedral houses tombs and funerary monuments of former powerful Electoral-prince-archbishops, or Kurfürst-Erzbischöfe, of the diocese and contains religious works of art spanning a millennium. The cathedral also has a central courtyard and statues of Saint Boniface and The Madonna on its grounds.
During Willigis' time, the city of Mainz flourished economically. Willigis became one of the most influential politicians of that time, he even was regent of the empire between 991 and 994. He ordered the construction of a new cathedral in the pre-Romanesque Ottonian architecture. This new and impressive building was part of Willigis's vision of Mainz as the "second Rome".
This new cathedral was to take over the functions of two churches: the old cathedral and St. Alban's, which was the largest church in the area, belonging to a Benedictine abbey and serving as the burial ground for the bishops and other nobles, including Fastrada, a spouse of Charlemagne. Most of the synods and other important meetings were held at St. Alban's Abbey.
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Wikipedia