St Paul's Cathedral Münster

St Paul's Cathedral symbolises the centre of the Diocese of Münster and attracts members of all religions as well as those interested in culture, history and architecture. Visit the Catholic cathedral and find out what the mysterious signs on the famous astronomical clock mean.

In addition to the carillon with the Three Kings at 12 noon (Sundays and public holidays: 12.30 p.m.), the workshop on the astronomical clock is particularly popular. Here, cathedral guide Jürgen Stockel explains details about the construction and function of the historical masterpiece and shows how the drawings on the back wall of the worldwide unique calendar came about.

In addition, the cathedral church focuses on religious togetherness and offers interreligious guided tours that invite people to talk across religions and discover the cathedral together. For example, mediators from Islam and Christianity talk about the cleansing ritual at the immersion basin from the perspective of both religions. 

There are great workshops for communion groups in which they work with gold, paint, glass and stones. In this way, children learn about the meaning of various cathedral treasures and religious symbols in a playful way and bring their self-made work of art home as a souvenir.

In addition, the burial chapel of the "Lion of Münster", the cathedral chamber and the elaborately decorated "Tile Room", where Bishop Clemens August Count von Galen liked to take his siesta, are all worth a visit. If you want to discover even more history, the Prinzipalmarkt and Münster Castle are nearby with further sights. 

St Paul's Cathedral proudly towers high today and symbolises the religious centre of the Diocese of Münster. For 750 years, visitors have admired the captivating architecture of the bishop's church and been fascinated by the vastness of the church interior, the rich imagery and the mysterious atmosphere with which one is welcomed into the cathedral.

The cathedral was consecrated in 1264 by Prince-Bishop Gerhard, Count von der Mark. It was considered an architectural monument of the Middle Ages and defied the Anabaptist riots of around 1530, during which the cathedral was severely devastated. The cages in which the criminals were punished were long regarded as a memento and now hang on the Lamberti Church on Prinzipalmarkt. 

The city's sculptors and painters made an important contribution to the reconstruction after the destruction. They also played a central role in the construction of the Astronomical Clock. The clock, which rotates counterclockwise, attracts thousands of tourists with its elaborate paintings and Christian figures. In the past, the signs of the zodiac and phases of the moon depicted on it were used to determine church holidays via astronomical dates. A visit to the Astronomical Clock Workshop is absolutely recommended to learn more about the meaning of the refined drawings and about the impressive mechanics. 

St. Paul's Cathedral is located in the center of Münster's old town. You can reach the Domplatz by car via the B54. Parking spaces are available for a fee. 

By public transport, you can reach the cathedral via Münster's main railway station. Follow Salzstraße to Prinzipalmarkt and then turn left into Domgasse. You will reach the cathedral within a quarter of an hour.