Ulm Münster

Ulm Münster is the tallest church in the world and probably the finest example of Gothic church architecture in Germany. Now Protestant, this church has dominated the city and the region for hundreds of years and has become closely associated with the city of Ulm.

Construction on Ulm Cathedral began in 1377, financed by the city's inhabitants. After a long period of no building – and long after the church became Protestant – the spire was added in 1890.

At 161 meters, the Munster's great Gothic spire towers over all others. Those who climb its 768 steps of well-worn stone are rewarded with a superb panoramic view of Baden-Württemberg's Ulm and Bavaria's Neu-Ulm and, in the right weather conditions, a vista of the Alpine range. Climbers also come face-to-face with a variety of stone gargoyles and monsters.

This great work of architecture also houses important pieces of art. The 15th century choir stalls by Jörg Syrlin the Elder enjoy world-wide acclaim, in particular the carved busts which have gone down as masterpieces in the history of art.

Other works of distinction in the Münster include Hans Multscher's Man of Sorrows on the main portal and the pulpit canopy by Jörg Syrlin the Younger, also the altar and window in the chancel.