Speyer
Speyer Cathedral
The Speyer Cathedral has been a bishop’s cathedral for almost 1,000 years. In 1981, the Romanesque church building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Four emperors, three empresses, and kings from the houses of Habsburg, Staufen, and Nassau are buried here, making it the most significant burial site of the Middle Ages on German soil.
The origin of Speyer Cathedral can be traced back to Emperor Conrad II of the Salian dynasty. Following his election as king, he pursued an ambitious goal: starting in 1025, he had the largest church of his time built. Conrad did not live to see the consecration of the cathedral in 1061. His grandson, Henry IV, began a complete reconstruction of the cathedral from 1080 onward, giving it its current form. Today, after the destruction of the Abbey Church of Cluny, Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in existence.
Technik Museum Speyer
The Technik Museum Speyer – where one sensation follows another! Just one hour south of Frankfurt, explore technology from underwater to outer space: What does the inside of a submarine look like? What does a rescue cruiser need on board? How massive is a jumbo jet? What does the largest Welte organ in the world sound like? How did a Chinese steam locomotive end up in Speyer, or was the Space Shuttle Buran actually in space? Discover, alongside Europe’s largest space and an impressive maritime exhibition, various aircraft, classic vintage cars, racing motorcycles, historical fire engines, mighty steam locomotives, mechanical musical instruments, rarities, and fashions. Every year in May, the museum comes alive: At Brazzeltag®, you can experience displacement monsters, horsepower giants, and curiosities live – by fans, for fans.
Historical Museum of the Palatinate
The Historical Museum of the Palatinate, as well as the Young Museum, are known for their fascinating and elaborately staged special exhibitions, exciting interactive activities, informative knowledge-sharing, and entertaining events. The collections present the history of the region, from prehistory through Roman antiquity to modern times.
Altpörtel
To the west rises the Altpörtel, connected to the cathedral by the ‘via triumphalis.’ It is one of the tallest (55 m) and most significant city gates in Germany. First mentioned in 1176, this former main western gate of the city is today the most important part of the old city fortifications. Its lower parts were built between 1230 and 1250; the top tower floor, with the late Gothic tracery balustrade and the arcade arches of the gallery, was added between 1512 and 1514. The steep roof with the lantern was added in 1708. Architecturally, the east side of the tower (formerly the city side) is particularly richly structured, while the west side has small loopholes. On the northern side of the Altpörtel passage is an iron bracket in the shape of Speyer’s standard measure, the 28 cm high ‘Speyerer Schuh,’ which every merchant in Speyer had to adhere to. Fortunately, the tower survived the destruction of the city in 1689, making it one of the few remaining relics of the medieval city fortifications.
SEA LIFE Speyer
Located directly on the Rhine in Speyer, SEA LIFE Speyer awaits you. Over 3,000 animals from 100 species take you on a fascinating journey through the underwater world. Follow the Rhine from its source all the way to its mouth in the North Sea.
Pass moray eels, rays, and catsharks as you journey through the Mediterranean Sea to the tropical ocean, complete with an eight-meter-long underwater tunnel. SEA LIFE Speyer is always a worthwhile destination for children, adults, and families alike. Not only children will experience an unforgettable adventure during their visit.
Ritual Bath (Mikveh)
The Mikveh in Speyer, a Jewish ritual bath about ten meters below today’s street level, is an impressive testament to Jewish history and culture. It is considered the oldest known mikveh of its kind and is striking for its monumental architectural style. This special place invites visitors to experience the ritual purification as a dramatic display and to immerse themselves in times long past.
