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Cathedral · Constança, Baden-Württemberg
Konstanzer Münster
The former cathedral of the bishops of Constança, one of the largest Romanesque churches in southwest Germany, consecrated in 1089. It hosted sessions of the Council from 1414 to 1418 and has a tower with a viewpoint.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Konstanzer Münster
The Konstanzer Münster, officially Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, stands at the highest point of the old town, where the Romans had a fortification. The church served as the cathedral of the bishops of Constança for about twelve centuries, until the diocese was dissolved in 1821. Today it is a Catholic parish church.
The current building is a three-nave Romanesque basilica consecrated in 1089. Over the centuries it received the Gothic block on the west façade, side chapels in the 15th century and, in the 19th century, the Neo-Gothic spire of the tower. Inside, Baroque, Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic elements mix.
During the Council of Constança, from 1414 to 1418, the church was the hall for the major sessions. Beside the choir is the Mauritiusrotunde, the rotunda of Saint Maurice, with a Gothic reproduction of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; it is a stop for pilgrims on the Way of St James that crosses the region.
The tower has a viewpoint open to visitors, with its own opening hours. From the top you can see the old town, the Reno flowing out of the lake and, on clear days, the Alps.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the church; another 30 minutes if you climb the tower.
Best time
In the morning the church is quieter. The climb to the tower has its own schedule, shorter than the church's, and may change in winter or in bad weather; check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the old town, about a 10-minute walk from Konstanz station and the harbor.
Tip
Don't miss entering the rotunda of Saint Maurice, beside the choir. For the tower, go early on clear days: the view of the Alps is usually better in the morning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Konstanzer Münster
Can you climb the tower of the Münster?
Yes, there is a viewpoint open to visitors, with its own opening hours, different from the church. Check ahead.
Is the Münster still a cathedral?
No. It was a cathedral until 1821, when the Diocese of Constança was dissolved. Today it is a parish church.
Is there an entrance fee for the church?
There is no charge to enter the church. Respect mass times.
What is the Münster's connection to the Council?
The major sessions of the Council of Constança, from 1414 to 1418, were held inside the church.