Discover Speyer: Cathedral, history and art

Discover Speyer through a wide variety of themes: Romanesque architecture, medieval city history, Jewish heritage, art and museums. You can plan your visit around whether you are particularly interested in historic buildings, collections or a walk through the city.

The cathedral and medieval city history

At 134 metres in total length, Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in the world. Construction began in the 1020s under Conrad II, with the aim of building the largest church of its time. After more than 30 years of construction, the cathedral was consecrated in 1061. Its history of construction therefore spans the period from the initial undertaking to the consecration more than three decades later.

The Altpörtel also tells the story of Speyer’s medieval fortifications: it was once their main western gate and is 55 metres high. From the Altpörtel, you can enjoy views of, among other things, the Memorial Church, the Rhine and the Technik Museum Speyer. This landmark offers a chance to consider the city’s history alongside its present-day points of reference.

Visitors can climb a further 214 steps to reach an observation platform 60 metres above ground in the cathedral’s southwest tower. On a clear day, the view extends up to 50 kilometres. Access to the tower may vary depending on operating conditions; check the latest information before your visit.

Art and exhibitions

The Purrmann House Museum presents the largest public collection of works by the artist couple Hans Purrmann (1880–1966) and Mathilde Vollmoeller-Purrmann (1876–1943), who were part of Classical Modernism. The collection includes around 100 paintings, watercolours and prints, as well as archival materials and personal belongings. Artistic works are thus shown alongside written records and personal objects. The selection on display may change.

Another place to see art is the Municipal Gallery Speyer, which holds at least six exhibitions each year. While the Purrmann House focuses on its collection, the gallery presents exhibitions throughout the year; the programme may change. The exhibition “Cross and Crown” can be complemented by guided tours of the exhibition, the Imperial Cathedral or the city of Speyer. If you are planning a guided tour, check the latest booking details in advance.

Jewish heritage and museums

Since 2021, Speyer’s Judenhof has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the SchUM Sites in Worms and Mainz. The mikveh in the Judenhof is the oldest complex of its kind north of the Alps. The SchPIRA Museum displays original surviving windows, architectural features and coin finds from the medieval synagogue and the ritual bath in the Judenhof. Together, these places and exhibits offer different ways to explore Speyer’s Jewish heritage.

The Technik Museum Speyer presents a very different collection across its large outdoor grounds. Exhibits include a German Navy submarine, an Antonov—the largest propeller aircraft ever built in series—and a Lufthansa jumbo jet. These varied themes can provide a distinct focus for your visit alongside architectural history and art.

Getting around on foot and by city shuttle

Many of Speyer’s attractions are close enough together for you to explore the city easily on foot. The audio guide takes you on a roughly three-kilometre walk through the city centre, passing six attractions as well as historic buildings and hidden places. Route content may be updated, so check the latest information before setting out.

Bus route 561 connects the railway station with the central car park at the Festplatz during the day. It runs every ten minutes, passing directly by the cathedral, along Maximilianstraße and under the Altpörtel. Timetables and route details may change; check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Frankenthal, Worms, Mainz, Neustadt an der Weinstraße and Zweibrücken.

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