Stole:

Weaving art from the Rhine-Meuse region of the 12th century. Lampas made of gold and silk

Equal in diversity: two dalmatics

Dalmatic with lions, Byzantium (fabric) and Lower Saxony (embroidery) 2nd half 12th century, silk samite, embroidery of gilded silver lahn

The oldest garment of the cathedral treasure

is a cloak made entirely of finely patterned, golden shimmering silk. cope, Spain, 1st half 12th century, patterned silk samite

Dalmatic with deer and centaurs

The dalmatic, the vestment of deacons, seems to be a counterpart to the red dalmatic with embroidered lion medallions on the other side of the room. In fact, they were made in different places. Embroidery England 1st half 13th century, silk samite, gold embroidery

Honour of St. Euphemia

The chasuble was probably made for an altar of Euphemia donated in 1235, as the embroidery trimmings depict the Archangel Michael and St. Euphemia. Lower Saxony, Harz foreland / Halberstadt c. 1235, various silk samite fabrics, embroidery made of silver thread and silk

Manipel and stole

are completely embroidered with the root of Jesse, i.e. the family tree of Christ, or with saints under arcades. Halberstadt Mid-13th century, linen, gold and silk embroidery

Fabrics of immense richness

The brocade velvets of gold and silk are woven three-dimensionally and have patterns of 90 cm or even 180 cm in height for the chasuble. Archbishop [Ernst of Saxony](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.45,-1.26&ss=303&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) donated the cope, chasuble and two dalmatics (not exhibited) in this splendour probably on the occasion of the consecration of the cathedral in 1491. Brocade velvet probably Florence, 3rd quarter 15th century, embroidery Lower Saxony, 1470/1480, embroidery of silk with sequins, gold and silver threads.

R0bes of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg

On high feasts, the bishop wore all the garments (dalmatic, chasuble and cope) on top of each other. Fabric Italy, embroidery Central Germany, donated by [Albrecht of Brandenburg](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=3.12,-.01&ss=57&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) 1514-1518, silk damask, gold and silk embroidery

The earliest preserved bishop's cap

Mitre with gold borders, embroidery and filigree plates (compare this with the [book cover](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.7,-.04&ss=338&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) in the treasury), Lower Saxony end of the 13th century, fabric of half-silk samite, gold borders, river and glass beads, precious stones, gold filigree, embossed metal plates.

The bishop's mitre is the most precious specimen in the cathedral treasure

and completely embroidered with pearls and corals. Symbolic animals in the border such as the lion and pelican refer to resurrection and sacrificial death. Lower Saxony (embroidery) c. 1300, half-silk samite with embroidery of river, coral, glass beads, gilded metal beads, set stones and embossed metal flowers

The Crusade on a Bishop's cap (mitre)

The embroidered duel between an Oriental and a knight. ### and embroidery Germany, 1st half 14th century, silk lampas, embroidery of silk, silver and gold threads

A belt for the priest

The belt (cingulum) was worn by a Halberstadt clergyman to gird the lowest garment, the alb. Halberstadt, 14th century, border, brocaded, trimmings made of silk and gold thread

A sudarium for the bishop

The sudarium, also called panisellus, was hung on the crook so that the bishop could grasp it without slipping. Lower Saxony, 1st half 14th century, cotton crepe, silk, silver borders, ribbons with silk embroidery, pearl embroidery, bracteates

Shoes for the Bishop

The pontifical shoes have the cow-mouth shape fashionable in their time. Italy/Halberstadt c. 1500, patterned silk velvet, leather sole

Stockings for the Bishop

Pontifical stocking, Italy/Halberstadt, 14th/15th century, fine silk fabric (zendel) and linen lining

Knitted gloves for the bishop

Lower Saxony / Halberstadt 15th century, linen yarn, embroidered with silk and gold thread

A chasuble for the funeral service

The embroidered coat of arms refers to Provost Balthasar von Neuenstadt (Provost 1475-1516), who donated the [Neuenstadt Chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.16,-1.32&ss=532&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and other works of art for the cathedral. Possibly he had them made in anticipation of his own funeral service (cf. [epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.63,-1.37&ss=364&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [wheel chandelier](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.24,-1.22&ss=42&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). Lower Saxony, early 16th century, silk velvet, gold and silk embroidery with pearls in relief

Textile crucifixion in 3D format

The embroidered depiction of the crucifixion rises out of the fabric like a relief; the embroidered ground was lined with fibres or fabric remnants. The cross once belonged to a chasuble. Lower Saxony c. 1500, embroidery with silk, wool, gold thread, beads (largely lost) and sequins

Chinese role models

with phoenix and dragon from the beginnings of the silk production in Europe show the weavers' orientation towards models from the Far East. Dalmatic, Venice, 3rd quarter 14th century, fabric made of launched silk and half silk fabric

A dramatic encounter

between lion and swan: cope, woven fabric Italy, end of 14th century, gold borders Southern Italy 13th century, embroidery Lower Saxony, 15th century, launched lampas fabric, embroidery of silk, gilded silver thread, pearls, metal plates

Rare motifs - church in fabric

The back of the dalmatic (robe of a deacon) shows alternately the Mother of God enthroned and the risen Christ. These motifs are exceptional in medieval fabrics, which were made for wide-ranging, mostly secular purposes. Woven fabric Italy 1st third 15th century, various launched lampas fabrics

Feathers as a popular attribute of nobility

Chasuble with feather pattern of various silk fabrics, Italy 14th and 15th c., embroidery 2nd half of 15th c., launched lampas, silk fabric, relief embroidery of silk, linen and gold thread

Dalmatic of the canon Melchior Duvel

The name of the Halberstadt canon is repeated several times in the borders woven in Cologne. This reveals that the Cologne border weavers created them especially on his behalf. Dalmatic, Italy (fabric) and Cologne (borders) 2nd half 15th century, silk damask, silk velvet and silk and linen borders

Bright red and shiny gold

The special preciousness of the robe is based on the outstanding representative quality of the material used and also on the generosity of the cutting with considerable loss of material. Dalmatic, silk brocade, Northern Italy 1470-1490, silk damask with brocaded gilded silver threads

A trophy from Constantinople

Church flag with the trimming of a Byzantine veil (kalymma), which [Konrad von Krosigk](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.25,1.16&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) brought back from the Fourth Crusade in Constantinople. Church flag, Italy / Halberstadt, last third of the 14th century, patterned silk fabric made of launched lampas. Kalymma, Byzantium, 2nd half of the 12th century, silk velvet with embroidery of gold thread, silk and pearls

The vestments

What clothes did the bishop wear? Approximately 500 textiles from the Middle Ages still exist that once served to dress the bishops, canons and priests as well as to decorate the altars of Halberstadt Cathedral. They show the variety of fabrics and the changes in cuts and decorative forms from the 12th to the 16th century.

A room with a washbasin?

The so-called [lavabo](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.53,-.02&ss=320&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) is located in the sacristy, the room for preparing the services. This is where the clergy kept the necessary equipment such as chalices, plates and censers, cloths and blankets, where they washed and dressed themselves. Chests and cupboards for storage stood and still stand here. They date from the time the sacristy was built in the 14th century and before.

Washbasin with kettle

The lavabo with kettle was used for ceremonial purification of the priest's hands. It is placed next to the corridor to the cathedral. Lavabo kettle, Germany early 15th century, bronze

Heavy iron fittings, locks and defensive dragon creatures

The cupboards in the sacristy are numbered among the oldest examples from the Middle Ages. And they were clearly used to store particularly precious objects. Three cupboards, probably Halberstadt around 1300, oak wood, iron fittings

The painted coat of arms reveals the benefactor

Balthasar von Neuenstadt (1575-1516, [epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1,-1.35&ss=365&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) donated the cabinet. The rich cathedral provost also donated the [Neuenstadt chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.87,-1.5&ss=533&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), a [chasuble](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.56,-1.18&ss=261&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the figure of [St. Laurentius](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.46,-1.11&ss=121&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and the [wheel chandelier](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.34,-1.23&ss=42&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) in the cathedral. Halberstadt around 1500, spruce, iron, tempera painting

Angels and saints illuminate the Mass

Enamel candlestick with depictions of angels and engraved names of saints. Lower Saxony, probably Hildesheim, 12th century, gilded copper, enamel, rock crystal, iron spike

The celebration of the Mass with all the senses

In the censer grains smoked over glowing coals, their smoke symbolising divine prayer and spreading fragrances in the room. It belongs to a group of export articles of this kind that were produced in the region and exported as far as Scandinavia. Central Germany, c. 1300, bronze

Sole apple of warmth together with its leather case

It was used by the bishop or priest to warm his hands in the icy church before the celebration of mass. Meuse region or northern France end of 13th century, gilded copper, leather-cut case

A noble water dispenser

The lion's aquamanile belongs to one of the most beautiful groups of late Romanesque figurative pouring vessels. It was used to cleanse the hands during mass. Hildesheim around 1220, bronze

Which were the greatest church treasures in the Middle Ages?

Neither gold nor precious stones were valued most, but relics, the material remains of Christ, Mary and the saints.They were believed to have a healing power. These remains could be bones, hair, mummified limbs or objects touched by the saints, such as clothes. Wrapped in precious silk or collected as liquids in ampoules, they were placed in all kinds of containers: apart from gold utensils, also in marquetry boxes, ivory boxes, rush baskets, turned boxes or gilded wooden arms with viewing holes.

The entire primordial church in the table reliquary of gold filigree and precious stones

Relics of Christ, Mary and the Apostles gather the representatives of the New Testament in a single reliquary! Konrad von Krosigk (1201-1209) brought these treasures from Constantinople and had them placed in the precious case (cf. reliquary of St.[ Nicholas](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.58,-.05&ss=334&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [paten](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.67,1.25&ss=336&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), reliquary of St. [James](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.68,-.03&ss=340&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)).Tablet reliquary Harz foreland / Halberstadt 2nd quarter 13th century, gold filigree, precious stones, pearls, enamel, crystals, etc.

A treasure more precious than gold and gemstone

This is how Bishop Konrad von Krosigk (1201-1209) described the treasure of Halberstadt Cathedral as early as the beginning of the 13th century! And yet many of the treasures were made of gold and precious stones. In fact, many of them date from the time of Krosigk, when he was a crusader involved in the sack of Constantinople (see the [paten](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.6,1.16&ss=336&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the [tablet reliquary](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.59,.01&ss=341&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the skull reliquary of [St. James](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.65,-.07&ss=340&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the arm reliquary of St. [Nicholas](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.71,-.09&ss=334&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the [veil](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.98,1.17&ss=284&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)), and before. Since the 14th century they have been safely stored in the treasury built for them. From the 16th to the 19th century, some of them were also in the [shrine cabinet](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.8,1.51&ss=491&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) on the high altar.

Relics found in the high altar

Every altar in the Catholic Church must be consecrated with relics. Wrapped in precious silk, a lead box kept them from decay. Archbishop [Ernst of Saxony](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.56,-1.17&ss=256&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) consecrated the [high altar](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.46,-1.45&ss=662&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) of the cathedral with them in 1491. Reliquary case, Halberstadt, 1491, lead. Reliquary wrapping, Mesopotamia, 10th century, silk.

Liquid relics

such as oils or blood were stored in blown glasses. Glass flacons from the 13th and 15th centuries bear witness to this.

Rush basket

14th/15th century, wood, woven rushes

Travelling altar

Even a small portable altar contained relics, they were inlaid in the small recess. The altar served the bishop and later also priests on journeys to celebrate mass. Portable altar 16th century, inlaid wood, marble

Reliquary in the shape of a burse (pilgrim's bag)

Once richly adorned with precious stones, it still holds relics of the cross, the sponge and the face-cloth of Christ - as an inscription testifies. Central Germany, 12th century, wood (oak), gilded silver sheet, copper sheet, inscription nielloed

Two chest reliquaries

Since the 13th century, relics should be visible. As a result chest reliquaries got transparent walls made of glas, rock christal or clarified horn (they are missing). Chest reliquary with relic early 13th century, gilded copper, and chest reliquary early 13th century, oak, silk lining

Treasures in ivory

Three boxes for the safekeeping of relics. They are still in the box with the hipped roof - sewn into silk bags! Southern Italy or Sicily, 2nd half of 12th century, painted ivory, gilded copper

Why is a falconry depicted on a reliquary box?

Reliquary in the form of an ivory box, 2nd half of the 12th century, ivory, gilded copper fittings

A chess piece as a relic

The game piece of the king comes from an Arabian chess set. According to tradition, Charlemagne (*747/748, † 814) played with it. In Halberstadt he was regarded as the founder of the bishopric and as a saint, the chess stone as a reliquary of the revered emperor (cf. [Charlemagne reliquary,](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.71,-.32&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) [Charlemagne tapestry](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.45,-1.38&ss=469&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [pillar figure of St. Charlemagne](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.55,-.16&ss=128&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). Egypt 10th century, rock crystal

A reliquary for Charlemagne

A precious Greek burl glass, once used as a lampshade, serves as a reliquary. It contains a bone of Charlemagne (*747/748, † 814), who was venerated here as a saint (cf. [Charlemagne tapestry](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.29,-1.39&ss=469&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [chess piece](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.56,-.32&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [pillar figure of St. Charlemagne](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.98,-.18&ss=127&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). Glass: Byzantium 9th/10th century, gold mount: Central Germany c. 1343, gilded silver, niello

Vessels for the Holy Word of God

Medieval manuscripts such as the Gospel Book were given precious bindings. The star-shaped ornamental plates appear again on a[ bishop's mitre](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.95,-1.38&ss=282&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and are evidence of local production. Manuscript Halberstadt / Lower Saxony 2nd half of 10th century, ivory panel end of 10th century, binding 13th century, wood, metal, semi-precious stones, filigree

The oldest treasure of the cathedral

is a late Roman consular diptych, i.e. a folding writing tablet. Flavius Constantius gave it to an influential friend in 417 on the occasion of his election as consul. It has survived in secondary use as a book cover. Western Roman Empire 417, ivory

The finger of St. Nicholas?

Coming form Constantiople the mummified finger arrived in Halberstadt in 1205. Bishop Konrad von Krosigk (1201-1209, cf. [paten](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.41,1.42&ss=336&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [tablet reliquary](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.44,-.04&ss=341&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), reliquary of St. [James](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.74,.07&ss=340&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) bequeathed it to the cathedral on condition that it be kept under rock crystal. Where is it? Arm reliquary of St. Nicholas, Halberstadt / Quedlinburg after 1225, silver gilt, filigree, precious stones

A paten of 2.25 kg silver and gold from the imperial palace chapel, Constantinople, in Halberstadt?

It is an exceptionally finely crafted testimony to Byzantine goldsmith's art. An eyewitness of the Fourth Crusade testifies such a paten, e. g. a votive bread bowl, in the imperial palace chapel. The Bishop of Halberstadt Konrad von Krosigk (1201-1209, cf. [tablet reliquary](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.59,-.01&ss=341&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), reliquaries of St. [Nicholas](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.52,-.21&ss=334&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and St. [James](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.59,.08&ss=340&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) is known to have taken some of its objects. Byzantium 11th/12th century, gilded silver

The skull relic of the Apostle James the Younger

still has its original Byzantine metal frame. Together with other relics and art objects ([paten](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.61,1.3&ss=336&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), reliquary of St. [Nicholas](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.56,.04&ss=334&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H),[ tablet reliquary](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.54,-.03&ss=341&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)), it was brought from Constantinople to Halberstadt by Bishop Konrad von Krosigk in 1205. Applications: Byzantium 12th c., silver, remains of enamel

Why are there so many arm reliquaries?

Six arm reliquaries are still preserved in the cathedral treasure today, four made of gilded silver, two of gilded wood. Their shape was used at special celebrations to bless the faithful with the arm. Thus, believers received this blessing directly from the saint whose relics they contained.

Arm reliquary of St Stephen

Halberstadt / Quedlinburg, 1205-1208, gilted silver, filigree, precious stones and pearls; wooden core

Arm Reliquary of the Apostle James the Elder

Lower Saxony / Harz foreland 1st half 14th century, silver gilt, precious stones, mother-of-pearl, pearls, glass; wooden core

Arm reliquiary

Lower Saxony / Harz foreland, c. 1350/1360, silver gilt, rock crystal, gemstones, enamel; wooden core

Epitaph of Balthasar von Neuenstadt, Provost of the Cathedral 1475-1516

Originally, the memorial plate was located in the central nave of the cathedral under the [wheel chandelier](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.32,-1.2&ss=42&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) he donated. The rich provost also donated the [Neuenstadt chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.42,-1.51&ss=531&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the [Marian tapestries](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.29,-.03&ss=439&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), the figure of St. [Laurentius](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.04,-1&ss=118&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), a [chasuble](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.6,-1.11&ss=261&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and a [cabinet](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.04,.13&ss=319&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Hermann Vischer the Younger, Nuremberg 1516, bronze

Christ's dying in fine alabaster

The alabaster figures belong to the retable of the[ Altar of the Cross](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.15,1.22&ss=44&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) in the crossing of the cathedral. The detailed groups of people vividly illustrate the various events surrounding Christ's death. Central Germany, c. 1450, alabaster, hardwood, partially painted and gilded

A room with deep wounds

In the chapter house, the clergy gathered to read chapters from the writings of the Church Fathers or from the rules of the order and to converse. It was built in place of the [old chapter house](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.2,.73&ss=584&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) at the beginning of the 16th century as a room heated with a tiled stove for more comfortable meetings. It was once covered by a magnificent net vault. Bomb hits on 8 April 1945 caused it to collapse. Since the 19th century, the chapter house has served as a display and exhibition space for the works of the cathedral and the cathedral treasure. The altarpieces come from the once more than 40 altars in the cathedral and were mainly created between 1470 and 1530/40, when the cathedral was completed.

In harmonious gestures

saints move like a court around the Madonna crowned as Queen of Heaven with a coral necklace. The Child Jesus playfully reaches into the blood-red pearls. The retable comes from the altar of the [Lady Chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.36,-1.51&ss=178&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), as probably does the [antependium](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.49,.83&ss=236&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Central Germany end of the 14th century, oak, tempera painting

Hail Mary!

The beginning of the prayer once resounded many times from the walls of the cathedral and its chapels. Mary has been intensively venerated since the founding of the diocese, first in a crypt of the former buildings, then in the Gothic cathedral in the choir chapel. Numerous statues of Mary in the cathedral, reliefs, pictures and the altarpiece of the Madonna with the Coral Necklace from the period of the International Style show Mary as the God-bearer, the Sorrowful Mother and the Queen of Heaven.

Mary as Queen of Heaven together with St. Stephen as double portrait

Such a two-sided sculpture has survived only rarely from the Middle Ages. It was once mounted on a pole and used in processions. Central Germany early 15th century, oak wood

Deep sorrow of the Blessed Mother

Mary bends over the body of Christ in gentle gestures. Since the 14th century more and more sculptures of the so-called Pietà (piety, compassion) expressed the compassion of the Blessed Mother with her son. c. 1500, hardwood, tempera painting

The splendour of the Middle Ages in colourful wool!

The oldest woven tapestries of the Christian West tell stories of Abraham and vividly depict the majesty of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. The tapestry of Charlemagne and the fragments of the Philosophers' tapestry focus on the wisdom of the medieval scholarly world at Halberstadt Cathedral. These tapestries once hung in the [choir](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.07,1.02&ss=637&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) of the cathedral on special holidays and bathed it in a festive dress.

The oldest woven tapestry manufactured in die Occident

Over ten metres long, the tapestry tells the biblical story of Abraham, the progenitor of the Israelites, his steadfastness in faith, willingness to sacrifice and redemption. The visit of the three angels to Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac are depicted in tight figure specification. Lower Saxony c. 1250, linen, wool

Christ is enthroned in the gloriole,

accompanied at the sides by archangels and apostles. The supernatural scene points to the Heavenly Jerusalem. The different widths on the right and left reveal a specific place in the [choir](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.79,-1.39&ss=660&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) with different space on the sides. Tapestry of Christ and the Apostles, Lower Saxony 2nd half 12th century, linen, wool

Charlemagne, emperor and saint

As the founder of a bishopric, Charlemagne (747/748-814) experienced deep veneration in Halberstadt, which intensified when he was canonised in 1165 (see his reliquaries [Chess Figure](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.73,-.31&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [Charlemagne Cup](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.73,-.31&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and the [pillar figure of St. Charlemagne](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.81,-.14&ss=127&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). The Charlemagne Tapestry celebrates him as a wise ruler. Lower Saxony 2nd quarter 13th century Linen, wool

Tapestry in honour of Mary

Both of these Marian tapestries were commissioned by the cathedral provost Balthasar von Neuenstadt (1475-1516, [epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.57,-1.34&ss=365&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) to decorate his [chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.51,-1.41&ss=533&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) on feast days. There they hung along the side walls. Middle Rhine, early 16th century Linen, wool

A meticulous craftsmanship!

Embroidery stitches cover the entire surface of the linen cloth. The expressive figures as well as the richness of the design show the outstanding quality of Lower Saxon pictorial embroidery since the 13th century. Embroidered linen cloth, Lower Saxony, last third of the 13th century, linen, silk and linen embroidery

The choir doors

were created for the [northern ](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.13,.07&ss=653&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)and [southern](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-3.07,.05&ss=637&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) entrances to the High Choir when it was completed around 1400. The paintings, disturbed by scribbles from different centuries, follow models from Bohemia. Halberstadt around 1400, coniferous wood, parchment, tempera painting

A safe from the high altar

The shrine cabinet from the [high altar](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.08,-1.51&ss=661&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) is made of solid oak boards and was nailed all around with iron plates. Nine locks, kept by different clergymen, made it theft-proof. What were its [precious](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.79,-.76&ss=337&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) contents? Halberstadt around 1520, oak, iron

St. Stephen greets visitors to the cathedral treasury

He has been the [patron](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.71,1.01&ss=94&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) saint of the cathedral since the foundation of the diocese. The stones on the book point to his martyrdom, for the saint was stoned to death. Two of the stones are in the display case in the base of the figure and in the [treasury](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.24,1.36&ss=330&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Central Germany end of 15th century, lime wood, tempera painting

Works from the Liebfrauenkirche

On the opposite side of the cathedral square, the Bishop of Halberstadt Arnulf (996-1023) founded the collegiate monastery in honour of Mary in 1005; the Romanesque Church of Our Lady is dedicated to her. The monastery and church were closely linked to the cathedral chapter. When the building threatened to fall into disrepair after secularisation in 1810, some of its art treasures were saved for the cathedral treasury.

Mary as Queen of Heaven with Child

in its classical beauty and balance, is one of the highest quality sculptures of its time. It occupied an important place in the devotion to Mary in the Liebfrauenkirche. Halberstadt around 1220, oak wood, original painting

The Halberstadt cabinet is the most important testimony from the early history of furniture art

Its painting depicting the Annunciation to Mary follows Byzantine models. Halberstadt / Lower Saxony 2nd quarter 13th century, oak and coniferous wood, parchment, gilding, tempera painting

Welcome to Halberstadt Cathedral and its Treasury

The Episcopal Church and its cathedral treasure convey the space and furnishings of the cathedral in unique abundance, not only with altars and sculptures, but also with the church utensils, the clothes and textile decor, the objects of the cult and those of everyday use. The high quality of the works of art testifies to the prestigious position of the Halberstadt bishopric from the 9th to the 16th century.

With baptism, the baptised person enters the community of believers

Shaped simply like a Romanesque chalice, the baptismal font illustrates the same idea of the term "fons vitae" ("source of life") as the communion chalice. Bishop Gardolf von Habecke (1193-1201) donated it at the end of the 12th century. Halberstadt 1195, Limestone (Rübeländer Marble)

The Halberstadt Cathedral

is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Germany. It was the seat of the oldest bishopric in the East. Probably Charlemagne founded it at the beginning of the 9th century. The present architecture was built uniformly according to a plan over a 250-year construction period. The bishop's church was consecrated in 1491.

The oldest works of art

After the foundation of the diocese at the beginning of the 9th century, there were several church buildings after another, which were repeatedly destroyed by fire and war and rebuilt. The [baptismal](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.18,-1.33&ss=183&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) font and the [triumphal cross group](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.5,-1.23&ss=69&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) originate from the predecessor building of today's cathedral.

Mourning and triumph over death and sin

The figures show Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, with Mary, John and two winged angels. Symbols of evil defeated writhe beneath their feet. The triumphal cross group is the only one of the Romanesque period still completely preserved. Halberstadt / Lower Saxony c. 1220, wood, polychrome painted and gilded

Ecumenism from the beginning: The pulpit

was donated by both Protestant and Catholic canons one year after the introduction of the Reformation and thus symbolises Halberstadt's special path of common ground between the confessions. Halberstadt 1592, wood, painted

The wheel chandelier

symbolises the heavenly Jerusalem in its ring with twelve towers. It was donated by Balthasar von Neuenstadt (Provost 1475-1516), who had himself buried under it ([epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.57,-1.34&ss=365&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). He donated other works of art such as a [cabinet](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.03,.03&ss=319&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [St. Laurentius](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.15,-.97&ss=118&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and the [Neuenstadt chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.83,-1.38&ss=531&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Lower Saxony before 1516, bronze

The Descent of Mary

is represented by the three wings of an altar donated by Cardinal [Albrecht of Brandenburg](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.84,.02&ss=252&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Her royal origin, the clan of Mary, had already been described by Haimo of Halberstadt (†853). The pictorial panels attest to the long tradition of the theme. Harz foreland 1513/1520, coniferous wood, tempera painting

The madonna with the dove

is one of the many examples of the intense devotion to Mary in the cathedral. Mary as Queen of Heaven turns in intimate relationship to the Child Jesus. It plays with the dove as a symbol of the soul, symbol of baptism, the Holy Spirit and reference to divine election. Around 1380, sandstone, coloured

The figure of St. Laurentius

was donated by Balthasar von Neuenstadt (provost 1475-1516, [epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.45,-1.23&ss=365&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)), as attested by the coat of arms on the pedestal. The rich cathedral provost donated numerous other objects ([cabinet](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.03,.03&ss=319&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [wheel chandelier](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.14,-1.27&ss=42&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) to the cathedral and cathedral treasury! Halberstadt c. 1510, sandstone, painted

In the centre of the rood screen are St. Stephen and St. Sixtus, the figures of the two patrons of the church.

The building was constructed after the completion of the choir as a separation between the laymen's room and the priests in the high choir. Halberstadt end of 15th century, limestone and sandstone

Mary Magdalene with ointment vessel and thurible in her hands

comes from a former group of women at the tomb of Jesus. The high-quality sculpture has its original colouring in exceptionally good condition. Halberstadt around 1350, sandstone, painted

The High Choir

is the area of the cathedral that was reserved for the clergy. Here they prayed the hourly prayers, from 1591 Protestants and Catholics together. From the 16th to the 19th century, the reliquaries stood here in the shrine on the altar. On feast days, the medieval [tapestries](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.33,.06&ss=444&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) decorated the walls and bathed the choir in a colourful world of images.

The Lady Chapel,

consecrated in 1361, is the almost completely preserved ensemble of a chapel design in the middle of the 14th century. This includes the cycle of coloured windows and the pillar figures with the Three Kings in front of Mary and the Child. The altar of the "[Madonna with the coral necklace](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.05,-.01&ss=415&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)" and an [antependium](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.49,.83&ss=236&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) probably also come from here.

The cloister

The cloister was once surrounded by all the rooms necessary for the staff at the cathedral: Bedrooms, dining rooms, storerooms and meeting rooms. Today, the [old chapter house](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.02,-.5&ss=591&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and the remter bear witness to this.

Old chapter house

The chapter house got its name from the reading of the chapters from the rules of the order and the writings of the church fathers. It also served as a meeting room for the clergy of Halberstadt Cathedral. They used it for this purpose from the 13th to the 16th century, then they built a more luxuriously furnished [new chapter house](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.09,-.84&ss=398&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) with a tiled stove above the northern[ cloister](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-3.01,1.1&ss=550&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H).

Neuenstadt Chapel

Perpetual choir prayers in honour of the Virgin Mary: Provost Balthasar von Neuenstadt (Provost 1475-1516, [epitaph](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.57,-1.34&ss=365&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) donated the chapel in the cloister together with all the furnishings as well as the posts for four priest vicars and two choir students, who sang numerous prayers every day at set hours from early morning until late at night. Mary's altar, [Marian tapestries](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.12,.04&ss=439&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) as well as the candelabrum, perhaps also a [chasuble](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.81,-1.2&ss=261&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) with relief embroidery, belong to the extensive donation of the building, which was completed in 1503.

The cathedral treasure

With over 1200 works of art, it is the most extensive medieval church treasure that has survived at the place where it was used. Top works such as the unique golden paten from Byzantium, the oldest woven tapestries of the Christian West or the altarpiece of the Madonna with the Coral Necklace stand for the recognised high value of the ensemble.

Monument for a great scholar

Johannes Semeca (also Zemeke, 1170-1245) taught at the University of Bologna before becoming provost in Halberstadt. He was highly educated and donated several precious manuscripts, such as the magnificent m[issal of the film](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy_xMU_ijcI). After the completion of the cathedral, he received this memorial. Halberstadt 1491, sandstone, metal, wood

Bishop's chasuble

of Frederick III of Brandenburg. He was archbishop and aministrator of Halberstadt 1550-1552 and died here ([tomb](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.7,.19&ss=660&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). The coats of arms mark his origin, the relief-embroidered figure of St. Anthony with the pig at his feet refers to the patron saint of peasants and domestic animals. 1550-1552, velvet, gold brocade, embroidery silk, gilded silver thread

The stone of St. Stephen

Two stones from the stoning of St. Stephen commemorate his martyrdom. This stone is set in silver, the second is under the [figure of St. Stephen](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.53,-1.35&ss=494&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). Stone granite, setting 13th century, silver

The church patron

The first clergymen of the diocese of Halberstadt came from Châlons sur Marne and brought with them relics of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The church was consecrated to him. The sculpture shows him with the signs of his martyrdom, the stones: He was stoned to death (cf. [figure of St. Stephen](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.55,-1.25&ss=494&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)). Around 1513, sandstone

The cathedral - a house of ecumenism

In 1591, the then Bishop Heinrich Julius of Brunswick introduced the Reformation at the cathedral. However, he left the decision to the canons whether they wanted to remain Catholic or convert to Protestantism. In the end, four canons remained Catholic, the others became Protestant. The bishop reformed the prayers and services at the cathedral so that Protestants and Catholics performed the hourly prayers together. Until secularisation in 1810, the mixed-denominational cathedral chapter lived in this common ecumenism. The altar in the centre of the cathedral was traditionally the altar of the cross. Its [altarpiece](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=.11,.13&ss=369&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) with the depiction of the crucifixion made of alabaster sculptures is preserved in the cathedral treasury.

Enter the historic rooms of the cathedral cloister with the cathedral treasure!

The cloister was once the enclosed area to which only the clergy had access. The various parts of the building date from the 14th to 16th centuries. Today they house the exhibition of the cathedral treasure.

Silk, gold and precious stones,

finest linen and pearls form the decoration of the vestments and altar furnishings. At the time of their creation from the 12th to the 16th century, they represented the splendour and power of the church and its dignitaries. They illustrate the high standards that the bishops and canons of the Halberstadt diocese represented.

With narrative expressiveness and a dense turmoil of characters

the panel paintings depict the life and death of Christ. The central picture shows the crucifixion with the various incidents during the Passion. The retable, which is still completely preserved, was signed by the painter Hans Raphon (1460/70-1512) in 1508. Lower Saxony (Einbeck?) 1508, coniferous wood, tempera painting

Tapestry in honour of Mary

Twelve pictorial scenes depict selected events from Mary's life, starting with the Ppresentation of the Mother of God in the temple and ending with her death and the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The ground of blossom vines symbolises the Garden of Paradise. Middle Rhine, early 16th century Linen, wool

Probably the most magnificent bead embroidery

of the late 12th century in Lower Saxony shows the colourful coronation of Mary with angels and saints. It once decorated the front of an [Lady altar](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.05,-.01&ss=415&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) and was used in the [Lady Chapel](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=1.36,-1.51&ss=178&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) of the cathedral. Antependium, end of 13th century, half silk atlas, embroidery with pearls, corals, glass beads, gilded metal beads

The sacred place of the church

is the [high altar](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.44,-1.21&ss=303&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), once the [shrine cabinet](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=2.39,1.49&ss=490&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) for the reliquaries stood on it, today it is crowned by the retable of the altar of St. George. The right wing shows the martyrdom of St. George in the boiling lead cauldron and his beheading. Below in the so-called predella he stands as a knightly dragon slayer on the right. Central Germany c. 1490. oak, tempera paint, gilding

Emperor Charlemagne

was considered the founder of the diocese of Halberstadt. Since his canonisation in 1165, his veneration increased, which found expression in relics of the emperor ([chess piece](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.59,-.15&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H), [Charlemagne reliquary](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-2.59,-.15&ss=332&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H)) and other pictorial themes such as the [Charlemagne tapestry](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.99,-1.42&ss=469&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) in the cathedral. Halberstadt c. 1475, sandstone, gilding, painted

The Word of God on buoyant wings

is illustrated by the eagle lectern. It was used for reading biblical texts and especially the Gospels. Central Germany 16th century Bronze, brass, iron

Body and Blood of Christ - the consecrated bread and wine -.

was preserved in the elaborately designed sacrament cabinet. Coordinated in colour with the [shrine](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.2,1.56&ss=491&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) from the high altar, its central section depicts a monstrance as it once stood inside. Halberstadt 15th century, oak, painted

The choir stalls of the canons

were built shortly after the completion of the choir and served the members of the cathedral chapter at prescribed times and in fixed order: the canons were seated in the second row, the vicars in the first, led by the provost in the south and the dean in the north. Halberstadt around 1400, oak

The sarcophagus of Bishop Bernard

is a rare testimony to funerary forms of the 10th century. After 45 years in office, the politically influential bishop of Halberstadt died in 968 and was buried in the centre of the choir in the Ottonian predecessor building. Halberstadt 968. limestone

Access not possible

Unfortunately, for technical reasons, this access to the High Choir is not possible. Please use one of the other three doors.

The choir doors

open and close the access to the High Choir, which was only allowed to the clergy. They are copies of the originals from around 1400, which are on [display](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-.47,.4&ss=483&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H) in the cathedral treasury.

The choir doors

Tomb of Frederick III of Brandenburg

The archbishop of Magdeburg and administrator of Halberstadt died in Halberstadt at the age of only 21. He also donated a still preserved [chasuble](https://my.matterport.com/show/?play=1&sr=-1.56,1.2&ss=246&m=Q6rN6UtQU2H). The high-quality epitaph was created by the Berlin sculptor Hans Schenck gen. Scheußlich (around 1500-1566). Berlin/Halberstadt 1558, sandstone, marble, metal

To the cloister and cathedral treasury

Passage