Münster Cathedral by Kid-A
It is called the Konstanzer Münster in German. It's the dominant element in the city. Looking at the buidling, it looks heavily restored (another way of saying it's in good condition, I guess :) The restoration is on-going, and they say it will be completed in 2010.The story of the cathedral, from what I gather, is a confusing one. The cathedral served as the central church of the diocese of Konstanz until 1821, and the history of the church in Konstanz goes back to the 6th Century. Structures were built and burned or collapsed throughout the centuries (a great fire destroyed one of the towers along with parts of the basilica as well as 96 other houses in the city around 1300). From 1414 ? 1418 the Council of Constance took place -- the most important assembly of the Church during the Middle Ages, and the only one on German soil! Martin V, who had been elected Pope by the Conclave and thereby ending a schism dividing the Church, is enthroned in this Minster in 1417. In 1415 Johannes Hus, because of his teachings, is condemned as a heretic by the Council who, at this time, was without a Pope. He was then delivered to the secular power who condemned him to death, tied him to a stake and publicly burnt him alive. Between 1418 ? 1525 the Minster is adapted to Gothic style by master craftsmen. In the period from 1526 ? 1551 the bishop leaves Constance because of the reformation, and moves his see across the lake to the Martinsburg in Meersburg. The radical iconoclasm instigated by the reformer Zwingli in nearby Zurich, caused the destruction of much valuable and irreplaceable artwork in this church.
Also found on the site:
Outside of the cathedral is a small pyramid-shaped glass structure. Inside is a view of some of the old Roman buiding site. I took a very poor photo included in this tip!