The Imperial Cathedrals of Speyer, Mainz and Worms: The Current State of Research

Speyer Cathedral, as the sole authentic 'Kaiserdom' (imperial cathedral), stands out for its historical significance as an imperial mausoleum where four Holy Roman emperors and five German kings were buried between the 10th and 14th centuries. Unlike Mainz and Worms cathedrals, which lack direct imperial ties, Speyer's role was comparable to that of Westminster Abbey or St-Denis in France. The term 'Kaiserdom' now extends to all three due to their striking stylistic similarities—low octagonal central towers flanked by four slender stair-towers—though Mainz later altered its appearance by raising its central tower. This study clarifies the distinction between Speyer's imperial legacy and the architectural relationships among these cathedrals, emphasizing their collective medieval significance.

von Winterfeld, D. (2024). The Imperial Cathedrals of Speyer, Mainz and Worms: The Current State of Research. Mainz and the Middle Rhine Valley: Medieval Art, Architecture and Archaeology: Volume 30, 14–32. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003580263-2