Location: Speyer
Top Things to do in Speyer
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Top 7 Free Things to do in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate
Speyer (German pronunciation: [ˈʃpaɪ̯ɐ], older spelling Speier, known as Spire in French and formerly as Spires in English) is a town in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, with approximately 50,000 inhabitants. Located beside the river Rhine, Speyer is 25 km (16 miles) south of Ludwigshafen and Mannheim. Founded by the Romans, it is one of Germany's oldest cities. Speyer is dominated by the Speyer Cathedral, a number of churches and the Altpörtel (old gate). In the cathedral, beneath the high altar, are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings.
Restaurants in Speyer
1. Speyer Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,148 reviews
The cathedral St. Mary and St. Stephen in Speyer is church that is unique in its spiritual, architectural, and historical dimensions. Day for day this house of God, founded in the 11th century, casts its spell on people, serves as a site of contemplation and prayer, and testifies to the legacy of romanesque architecture. Furthermore, the cathedral of Speyer is the gravesite of Salian, Staufer, and Habsburg rulers, thus functioning as a symbol of the medieval emperorship. In 1981, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. As an episcopal church, the cathedral of Speyer is the spiritual centre of the diocese Speyer. Built in the Middle Ages as a house (Latin: domus) of God, to this very day its entire architecture serves to lead mankind to the Lord: the floor plan, the decoration, and all measurements serve this purpose. As an episcopal cathedral church, as the cathedral's parish church, as a place of pilgrimage: mass is celebrated here every day of the week.
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
Since the era of Holy Roman Empire, Speyer Cathedral (Dom zu Unserer lieben Frau in Speyer) has been a most important Romanesque cathedral with proud history. Many German emperors and kings along with their spouses had been buried in the cathedral. In Spyer, where this cathedral played dominant religious role, the controversial Edicts of Worms and Spyer were protested by six princes and representatives of 14 Imperial Free Cities, aiding expanson of Protestantism. This cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our Viking River Cruise’ “Rhine Getaway” journey, we visited this cathedral which was within a walking distance from the ship’s pier. On the side of the cathedral, we saw the Mount of Olives sculpture and the cathedral’s gift shop building. From outside, the cathedral with red sandstorm walls, copper topped nave, domes and towers looked more like a solid fortress than a basilica. Upon entering the heavy metal center door, we faced awe inspiring nave with double-bay vault system. The nave with solid stone columns did not have ornate decors seen in basilicas in Italy. There were no stained glass windows either. Altar area and pipe organs were also rather simple and stoic. And yet, the cathedral was awe inspiring especially when we thought about its status during pre-Reformation era. Upon exiting the cathedral through the center door, we faced a huge plaza with Speyer City Hall and the main road leading to the ciy center with other churches and shops. The visit was memorable.
2. Altportel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By Steveage - Rexburg, United States
It's truly interesting, and I read, one of the few buildings at all to survive the destruction of Speyer in 1689. This gate was first mentioned in records in 1176. The lower part of the tower was built between 1230 and 1250; the uppermost tower floor was added in the period from 1512 to 1514. The steep, high roof was made in 1708. The thing is, as historical and cool this tower/gate is, you can take it in, in about 5 minutes.
3. Dreifaltigkeitskirche Speyer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Steveage - Rexburg, United States
I think all the paintings around this church were done between 2009 and 2018. It has a storied past, the building is beautiful and has a baroque flair. Mainly put in its current state during the 20th century. Poor Speyer, it has been burned to the ground too many times!
4. (Luther) Gedaechtniskirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Steveage - Rexburg, United States
Ornate, style of Gothic architecture, built from 1893 – 1904. It’s a miracle it’s still standing after the bombing during WWII. The stained glass windows are spectacular. There are many beautiful pieces of art in here, along with carved stone in various areas. Worth a look!
5. Maximilianstrasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By belleretraite - Montreal, Canada
This street basically is between the Old Gate of the City and the Cathedral ! On both sides one can find restaurants , stores . shops , terraces . the Tourist Information Office and more than 50% of the key points of interest of the Old Town ! a must in Speyer !
6. Adenauer-Park Speyer
7. Rheinstrand Speyer
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