Ulm -
hotels -
tourism -
visit -
travel -
lodging -
accommodation -
sightseeing -
information -
maps
ULM
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
Home I
History I
Sightseeing I
Practical I
Hotels in Ulm
Münster (Ulm cathedral)
The Cathedral of Cologne is larger, but the cathedral of Ulm is the
biggest church in southern Germany. In any case, Ulm has the
world's tallest church spire (161m, 768 steps). The magnificent early
Gothic cathedral is capable of containing 30,000 people. Begun in 1377,
and carried on at intervals till the 16th century, the building was long
left unfinished; but in 1844 the work of restoration and completion was
begun, being completed in 1890. Ulm cathedral has double aisles and a
pentagonal apsidal choir, but no transepts. Its length (outside
measurement) is 464 ft., its breadth 159 ft.; the nave is 136 ft. high
and 47ft wide; the aisles, which are covered with rich net-vaulting, are
68 ft. in height. The massive and richly decorated square tower in the
centre of the west facade, which for centuries terminated in a temporary
spire, was completed in 1890, according to the original plans, by the
addition of an octagonal storey and a tall open spire (528 ft.), the
loftiest ecclesiastical erection in the world, outstripping the twin
spires of Cologne cathedral by 21 ft. The towers of the choir, rebuilt
in the course of the restoration, are 282 ft. high. The cathedral
contains some fine stained glass, the largest organ in Germany (1856),
and a number of interesting old paintings and carvings by Jorg Syrlin
the elder, Jorg Syrlin the younger, Burkhard Engelberger, and other
masters of the Swabian school. Also, the cathedral contains an altar by
Hans Multscher (1443) and the famous choir stalls with figures of
philosophers, poets, prophets and apostles Jorg Syrlin the elder.
Neue Städtehaus (1993) designed by Richard Meier - architectural
contrast to the cathedral
At the foot of the famous cathedral, and forming both a
contrast and a complement to this dominating late-Gothic building, the
Stadthaus and the cathedral square were designed by the renowned
American architect, Richard Meier. Winner of the prestigious Pritzker
Prize, he received worldwide acclaim when the Getty Center opened in Los
Angeles at the end of 1997. The design of the Ulm cathedral square has
been the subject of heated argument for 105 years and there are records
of 17 design competitions. Finally, in 1986, Richard Meier's design was
chosen. This decision provoked discussion and led to meetings throughout
the whole town, organised as well as spontaneous, private as well as
public. In November 1993, the Ulm Stadthaus was opened
The town has
many fine historic buildings
including the Gothic-Renaissance
Ulm Town Hall (1370) with astronomical clock on its front and decorated
with brightly coloured frescos. Also well worth a visit is the
Old Town and the Fishermen's Quarter. Around the city are fortifications spanning six centuries of history
German Bread Museum
:
This museum specializes in artifacts related to bread, including items
depicting bread in art and graphic design.
An overview of hotels in Ulm.
Other German cities.
Web design by THE
MANTA
