St.-Paulus-Dom, Cathedral in Münster, Germany
St. Paulus Cathedral rises 58 meters above the center of Münster and displays Gothic architecture with tall pointed arches, delicate tracery windows, and a western facade flanked by two towers. The interior extends through a three-aisled nave with transept and choir, while slender pillars and ribbed vaults shape the walls.
Construction of the current building took place between 1225 and 1264, following two earlier churches that had stood at different sites. During World War II the structure suffered heavy damage from bombing, yet rebuilding followed the original design and restored the Gothic forms.
Named after the apostle Paul, the building functions as the seat of the Bishop of Münster and hosts regular worship that draws believers from across the region. Visitors experience the tall vaults and distinct acoustics that shape the atmosphere during both services and quiet hours.
Access is through the cathedral square in the old town center, and visitors may enter the interior on weekdays and Sundays. During services a quiet presence is expected, and photography should be avoided at those times.
The cloister houses an astronomical clock from the 16th century whose hands move counterclockwise. This calendar mechanism displays not only the time but also the positions of the sun and moon as well as the feast days of the church year.
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