The most beautiful cathedrals on the Rhine: A look at Barbie's new book!

The most beautiful cathedrals on the Rhine: A look at Barbie's new book!

Köln, Deutschland - On June 12, 2025, Barbara Schock-Werner will present some of the most impressive churches along the most important water path in Germany in her new book "The most beautiful cathedrals on the Rhine". In her work, she emphasizes that the discussion about the "most beautiful" cathedral cannot be answered objectively. Schock-Werner has received his doctorate on the impressive Straßburger Münster , whereby they have a special affection at both churches.

on the route from Basel to Cologne there are numerous churches worth seeing. This route is not only scenic, but also historically significant, since the Rhine has been a central transport and trade route since Roman times. Christians settled in Roman settlements on the Rhine, which led to the creation of numerous significant bishops.

The most important Bischofskirchen

The most striking bishopsk churches include the Strasbourg Münster, the Dome of Worms, Mainz and Cologne as well as the Münsters of Constance and Basel. The Worms Cathedral and the Freiburg Münster also play a role in this tradition. The latter was later raised to the bishopric, while Speyer was a center of the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, but had no independent bishopric.

Schock-Werner emphasizes the importance of these churches, which bribe through their architecture and history. The interior of the Basel Münster shows impressive traces of historical eras, while the Speyer Cathedral with its impressive dimensions is an example of the architecture of its time. She is particularly impressed by Freiburg, Strasbourg, Worms and Mainz and recommends that visitors to also look at the external shapes and facades of the churches.

The Strasbourg Münster

The Straßburger Münster (CathédraLe Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) is an outstanding example of European church building. The construction of this Roman Catholic sacral building began in 1176 and was completed in 1439. It is considered one of the largest sandstone buildings worldwide and combines Romanesque and Gothic style elements. With a height of 142 meters, the north tower was the highest building in the world until the 19th century.

The cathedral has had an eventful story, among other things it was damaged during the bombing in the 19th and 20th centuries. The most important equipment includes the astronomical clock and the impressive angel pillar. In addition to its function as a bishop's church in the Archdiocese of Strasbourg, the Münster is also a symbol of Alsace.

The Trier Dom

also of historical importance is the Trier Dom , the oldest Bischofskirche in Germany. Its roots go back to the Roman Empire, and the city was once the largest location north of the Alps. The story of the sacred skirt, which, according to the emperor of the emperor Konstantin, brought to Trier is legendary.

The building history of the cathedral is rich in architectural influences, from the 4th century to the Gothic units of the 13th century. The Trier Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Liebfrauenkirche since 1986. The churches form an impressive architectural ensemble that is deeply rooted in history.

The book premiere of "The most beautiful cathedrals on the Rhine" will take place on June 24th at 6 p.m. in the house of Greven Verlag in Cologne. Entry is 12 euros and five signed copies of the book are raffled off. With her new work, Barbara Schock-Werner gives a fascinating insight into the diversity and history of these architectural masterpieces along the Rhine.