Nave

Overview

Stepping into the Nave of Frankfurt Cathedral, or 'Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus', is to enter a space steeped in centuries of history and spiritual significance. While colloquially known as a cathedral, this magnificent Gothic structure in Frankfurt, Germany, is technically a collegiate church, never having been the seat of a bishop. Nevertheless, its role in the Holy Roman Empire as an election and coronation site earned it the revered 'Imperial Cathedral' title. The Nave itself, the central and largest part of the church, defines the visitor's initial experience, guiding the eye upwards to its soaring vaulted ceilings and setting the stage for the stories held within its ancient walls.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Frankfurt Cathedral trace back to a small Merovingian chapel from the 7th century, followed by the Carolingian Salvator Church built around 822. This early church was rededicated to St. Bartholomew in 1239, housing a skull relic of the apostle that remains a significant artifact. The current Gothic structure began to take shape between 1250 and 1514. The Nave, specifically, saw a new construction phase between 1248 and 1269, built in the style of a Gothic hall church where the aisles and nave share a similar height. The cathedral's historical zenith came between 1356 and 1792, when it served as the designated location for the election of German kings and, from 1562, the coronation of Holy Roman Emperors. The church has endured devastating fires, notably in 1867, and significant damage during Allied bombings in 1944. Each time, it rose again, meticulously reconstructed to preserve its grandeur and historical integrity.

What Makes It Special

The Nave of Frankfurt Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture. It is characterized by a three-aisled hall church design, meaning the central nave and its flanking aisles are of roughly equal height, creating a vast, open interior space. Six great Gothic pillars, three on each side, separate the central nave from the side aisles, drawing the gaze towards the High Choir. The Nave's impressive dimensions – the entire cathedral is approximately 95 meters long and 40 meters wide, with the nave itself reaching about 30 meters in height – contribute to its awe-inspiring presence. An interesting architectural detail is that the cathedral's transept is unusually long, which serves to compensate for a relatively shorter nave. The deep red Main sandstone used in its construction also gives the interior a distinctive warmth, especially when light filters through the high windows.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Despite its grand title of 'Kaiserdom' (Imperial Cathedral), the Frankfurt Cathedral has never been the seat of a bishop, making its common English name a misnomer. It was its crucial role in imperial politics that earned it such a distinguished reputation.

• The cathedral houses a precious relic: part of the skull of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. This relic has been kept in the church since the 13th century and helped establish its importance as a religious center.

• The resilience of the cathedral is remarkable. After being severely damaged by fire in 1867 and then by bombs in World War II, the structure, including the Nave, was painstakingly rebuilt, with much of the interior having to be restored or recreated.

• The Nave connects to other significant areas, including the Electors' Chapel (Wahlkapelle), where German kings were elected, underscoring the political heart of the Holy Roman Empire contained within these walls.

Visitor Perspective

Walking through the Nave of Frankfurt Cathedral offers a profoundly reflective experience. The sheer scale and intricate details of the Gothic architecture command attention, inviting visitors to pause and absorb the atmosphere. The silence within its walls, often broken only by the soft echoes of footsteps or perhaps the distant sound of an organ, creates a contemplative space, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. Observing the powerful Gothic pillars that support the vaulted ceiling, and imagining the countless historical figures who once walked these very floors – from emperors to ordinary citizens – brings history to life. The Nave serves as the main artery of the cathedral, leading the gaze and footsteps towards the high altar and choir, providing a natural journey through faith and power that shaped a nation. There is generally no admission fee to enter the main part of the cathedral, allowing everyone to experience this monumental space.