Konstanz's Past as Seat of a Bishop
by Kathrin_E
Already in the 6th century Konstanz became the seat of a Bishop. From the middle ages to the early 19th century the diocese was the biggest in Central Europe. It extended from the Black Forest and Swabia far south into Switzerland to the Gotthard mountains.
The city of Konstanz managed to obtain more and more privileges and independence. A free imperial city for a short time, it then became property of Austria. The Bishop's power was limited to the cathedral and its surroundings and some buildings in town. The city introduced the reformation in 1527 and drove the Bishop away. The new episcopal residence was installed on the opposite bank of the lake in Meersburg, where a new palace was built in the 18th century.
The Secularization of 1802/03 was the end of the Bishop's government. The property of the diocese was taken over by the Electorate of Baden. The city stayed Austrian - the territorial borders within the city must have been extremely complicated to sort out - but with the peace treaty of Preßburg/Bratislava in late 1805 the Austrian territory also became property of Baden and the problem was solved.
The Bishopric ceased to exist in 1821: To simplify the cooperation of politics and religion, the borders of the dioceses were changed to correspond with the borders of the territories. The Grandduchy of Baden was covered by the new Archdiocese of Freiburg which was established in 1827 after lengthy negotiations with Rome. The diocese of Konstanz was administered by Ignaz von Wessenberg who after the death of the old Bishop had been elected his successor by the cathedral chapter but not confirmed. Wessenberg hoped to become the first Archbishop of Freiburg but failed - instead Bernhard Boll, the former abbot of Salem, got the job. The former cathedral in Konstanz has since then been just the parish church of the city. The Münster Church, the cathedral of the diocese, is the most striking remain of the Bishopric of Konstanz. The gothic church (photos 1 and 2) contains treasures of art from the middle ages to modern times and is a 'must' to see. A lot has already been written about it, thus no separate tip here.
Several other buildings once belonged to the diocese and tell of its history. Around Münster square some canons' residences (curiae) are still standing, like the one of Canon von Roll (photo 3) .
Wessenberg Palace (photo 4) opposite the Münster church was the residence of Ignaz von Wessenberg, the interim administrator of the diocese, which he kept even after his application for the Archbishopric of Freiburg had failed. The baroque palace is now a museum.
The provost of the cathedral and his offices occupied a pretty renaissance building bclose to the Rhine (photo 5).
Speaking English in Konstanz
by VDElvis
If you do not speak any German, you should still be able to get by and around in Konstanz. Not everyone speaks English, but a lot of people, especially younger people, do speak at least some. If you get confused, you can always try a simple "Sprechen Sie Englische?". A lot of the locals are more than happy to practice their English.
At the same time, if people don't speak English at all, they'll often be no help at all, but that comes with the territory sometimes if you don't speak the local language.
Either way, don't feel shy about visiting here if you don't speak German. A lot of people speak English, and as long as you're friendly, pretty much everyone here will be friendly back to you.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS: Hike on Swiss Bank of Untersee
by Kathrin_E
A pleasant and easy hike leads along the bank of Untersee on the Swiss side. Easy because it is entirely flat. Starting from the village of Ermatingen, for example, you can walk to Mannenbach and Arenenberg Palace. The trail fist leads along Ermatingen's 'boat harbour', then through the reeds
Some stretches of the river bank are private owned so you cannot walk by the waterside everywhere. A general problem around the whole Bodensee. However, there are enough options to enjoy the open view along the way.
I did the walk in October. In the morning there was mist over the water and hardly any view, but slowly slowly the sun broke through and created a magical atmosphere. In the afternoon we enjoyed brightest sunshine and a glorious Golden October day.
How to get there: Take the Seehas train to Ermatingen.
Niederburg
by Kathrin_E
The lanes north of Münster square are a bit off the beaten path and rather quiet. Apart from a few shops and pubs this is a residential area. Few visitors venture here, but it is worth a closer look. This quarter is almost entirely preserved in its pre-war architecture. Most houses have medieval origins.
Niederburg used to be possession of the bishop. The settlement developed around the cathedral hill in the early middle ages. Its inhabitants were the servants and workers of the cathedral, the bishop’s court and the canons’ houses.
Minster church - guided tour
by german_eagle
I had seen the interior of the Minster church during the day on my own, but I saw a guided tour was scheduled at 7 pm (in German). This is not to be missed! You get to hear a lot about the history of bishopry and church (in German, though) and can see even the otherwise inaccessible parts of the complex - the chapter hall, the sacristy and the high choir.
The chapter hall above the cloisters was built 1453 - 80 and is very beautiful. Nowadays it is used for service of congregations of foreigners (Italians, Spaniards, Croatians). The tour continues through the sacristy where you can see liturgical things (e.g. vestments) and works of art, followed by a look into an office room. It ends in the high choir which is not accessible otherwise. You can take a seat in the wonderfully carved wooden pewage and have a closer look at the altar (pic 4) as well as the southern choir with beautiful altar and ceilings (pic 5).
The tour is free but a small donation is welcome.
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basement, temporary exhibits
"Schnegg" in the northern side choir
cycling trail to Reichenau
garden
