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Brandenburg Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brandenburg an der Havel is regarded as the mother church of the state of Brandenburg and a premier example of North German Brick Gothic architecture. Its foundation stone was laid in 1165 on the Cathedral Island by Albert the Bear, marking the physical re-establishment of the Bishopric after the Slavic uprising of 983. The structure seamlessly blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, housing significant treasures such as the Bohemian Altar and the renowned 1723 Wagner organ. The crypt beneath the choir remains one of the oldest preserved sections, dating back to the Romanesque predecessor. For centuries, the cathedral served as the spiritual heart of the Margraviate of Brandenburg and the final resting place for prominent local noble families. The extensive complex also features a cloister, the cathedral archives, and a museum showcasing rare medieval textiles. Today, it is a key site on the 'Romanesque Route' and a major venue for sacred music performances.
- Location: Brandenburg, Germany
- Top sights: St. Nikolai · Slawendorf Brandenburg an der Havel · Gedenkstätte für die Opfer der Euthanasie-Morde in Brandenburg an der Havel
- Nearby: Premnitz (19 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 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 39 | 41 | 29 | 53 | 56 | 82 | 60 | 50 | 49 | 49 | 50 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral's foundation stone was laid on October 11, 1165.
- The famous Wagner organ consists of 2,010 individual pipes.
- The Bishopric of Brandenburg was originally founded in 948.
- The cathedral is approximately 73 meters long and 25 meters wide.
- The crypt houses the oldest stone vaulting in the region.
- The museum displays a Lenten cloth dating back to 1290.
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 Brandenburg Cathedral (10)
Slawendorf Brandenburg an der Havel
Open-air museum with reconstructed Slavic houses and craft demonstrations.
Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke
Footbridge over the Havel, named after a local politician.
Straßenbahnmuseum🏛 museum
Historic trams and an exhibition on local public transport history.
Neuapostolische Kirche
New Apostolic church building in Brandenburg an der Havel.
Museum im Frey-Haus🏛 museum
City history museum housed in a listed patrician building.
Jahrtausendbrücke
Steel arch bridge over the Havel, built around 1900.
Brandenburger Theater
Multi-genre theatre offering drama, music and dance performances.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was Brandenburg Cathedral founded?
Where exactly is the cathedral located?
Is there a famous organ in the cathedral?
Can the cathedral be visited?
What is the architectural style of the cathedral?
Brandenburg Cathedral: where is it located?
Brandenburg Cathedral: what is there to see?
Brandenburg Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
