The St. Paul's Dom (cathedral) is located in the heart of Münster and, along with the Historic Town Hall, is one of the city's landmarks.

The cathedral and the Domplatz (cathedral square) historically form the origin of the city: since about the 6th century, the small Saxon settlement of Mimigernaford was located in the area of the cathedral square. In 793, the missionary Liudger then founded a monastery (Latin "monasterium") nearby, which gave the growing city its name. Then in 805 Liudger was appointed the first bishop of the city and had the first cathedral built. The present cathedral is the third and was completed in the 13th century. During the reign of the Anabaptists in 1534/35, the interior of the cathedral was devastated and numerous images and figures were destroyed. During the Second World War, the former portal on the west side of the cathedral was destroyed and replaced by a sandstone wall with several round windows.

In the cathedral there is an astronomical clock from the late Middle Ages, which calendar goes up to the year 2071. Its chimes can be heard Monday through Saturday at 12 noon and on Sundays and holidays at 12:30. Not far from the clock is the burial chapel of the former bishop of Münster, Clemens August Graf von Galen, the "Lion of Münster". Von Galen became famous mainly for his public criticism of the killing of so-called "life unworthy of life" during the National Socialist era. Also of interest is the cathedral chamber, which displays goldsmith and textile works of art such as relics or mass vestments from twelve centuries. You can see these during themed tours and general tours, registration is required.

More information is available on the cathedral's website (website only available in German).
 

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Tip:

A large weekly market is held on the Domplatz / cathedral square every Wednesday and Saturday before noon (picture below). Here you can find not only typical Westphalian products, but also interesting things from all over the world and market people who are also happy to talk to you.

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Further information:

• website about the cathedral chamber (website of the cathedral) (only available in German)

• Website of the weekly market (webseite only available in German)

• Wikipedia article Anabaptist dominion of Münster ("Münster Rebellion") (English article)

• Wikipedia article Clemens August Graf von Galen (English article)