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Paderborn Cathedral
Paderborn Cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary, St. Liborius, and St. Kilian, is a three-aisled hall church primarily dating from the 13th century. Its foundation dates back to Charlemagne, who met Pope Leo III here in 799 to establish the Diocese of Paderborn. A particularly striking feature is the massive 12th-century west tower that dominates the city skyline. Inside, the crypt measures 32 meters in length, making it one of the largest of its kind in Germany, housing the relics of Saint Liborius. The Three Hares Window in the cloister is a famous landmark and a significant piece of late Gothic stonemasonry. The architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic stylistic elements into a harmonious image reflecting centuries of regional history. Additionally, the Bartholomew Chapel contains one of the oldest surviving structures from the Ottonian period north of the Alps.
- Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Top sights: Diözesanmuseum · Alexiuskapelle · Museum in der Kaiserpfalz
- Nearby: Bad Lippspringe (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 57 | 57 | 45 | 71 | 68 | 81 | 74 | 62 | 60 | 70 | 75 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
middle-ages
799
Geography
Facts
- Establishment of the diocese by Charlemagne in 799.
- The hall church measures a total length of 104 meters.
- The west tower reaches a height of 93 meters.
- The crypt is one of Germany's largest at 32 meters long.
- The Three Hares Window dates from the early 16th century.
- St. Bartholomew's Chapel was built around the year 1017.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Paderborn Cathedral (10)
Hoher Dom St. Maria, St. Liborius & St. Kilian
Cathedral in Paderborn, seat of the bishop.
Kriegerdenkmal
Monument commemorating fallen soldiers.
Gaukirche Sankt Ulrich
Church in Paderborn, dedicated to Saint Ulrich.
Stadtmuseum🏛 museum
Museum in Paderborn, with an exhibition on city history.
Dreihasenfenster
Window depicting three hares, a well-known motif at the cathedral.
Rathausbrunnen
Baroque stone fountain in front of the town hall, built around 1600, used for firefighting.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous symbol in Paderborn Cathedral?
Which saint is especially venerated here?
When does the Libori festival take place?
How old is the cathedral?
Can you visit Charlemagne's palace?
Paderborn Cathedral: where is it located?
Paderborn Cathedral: what is there to see?
Paderborn Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
