Mainz Cathedral

Mainz Cathedral

Mainz Cathedral was formally known in English as St. Martin Cathedral. Mainz Cathedral is located near the historical center and pedestrianized market square of the city of Mainz, Germany. The architecture of Mainz Cathedral predominantly follows Romanesque style. But later, over many centuries there has been number of changes as a result of various architectural influences.

During Willigis' time, the city of Mainz flourished economically. Willigis was the highest rank of bishop of Mainz in 975. Willigis became one of the most influential princes of over the time. He ordered the construction of a new cathedral in the pre-Romanesque style. Willigis' visualized Mainz as the second Rome and this new and impressive building was a part of that visualization. At that time, this new cathedral was to take over the functions of two churches. Those are the old cathedral and St. Alban's, which was the largest church in the area.

The new cathedral consists of a double sanctuary with two structures. The main hall was built in the typical triple-nave cross pattern. No vault was included due to structural obstacles concerning the size of the building. The Mainz Cathedral has six towers. A religious residence was enclosed in the structure. Here you can also find a small freestanding church called St. Mary's Church, connected by an arcade.

The reason for building two sanctuaries is not entirely clear. Many scholars suggest that there is some symbolic significance. But positive evidence for these theories does not exist. Some claim that the construction has a functional purpose for ceremonial processions.

Sandstone was used as the primary building material for the Mainz cathedral. In the middle of the 10th century the inside of the Mainz cathedral was plastered white in color under the Archbishop Bardo. The Mainz Cathedral suffered extensive damage due to fire on the day of its inauguration in 1009. Then, under renovations, ordered by Henry IV, in the late 11th century, much of the outside was plastered except the pelmets were left exposed in their original red and yellow color.

The new cathedral consists of a double sanctuary with two structures. The main hall was built in the typical triple-nave cross pattern. No vault was included due to structural obstacles concerning the size of the building. The Mainz Cathedral has six towers. A religious residence was enclosed in the structure. Here you can also find a small freestanding church called St. Mary's Church, connected by an arcade.

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