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German original

Breisacher Stephansmünster

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Breisacher Stephansmünster

The Breisacher Stephansmünster is a gothic-romanesque church and the landmark of the city Breisach am Rhein. Situated on the Münsterberg this point of interest is visible way beyond the city limits. The striking steeples of the church with its nave and two side aisles are located at the nave arcade, which is unusual for christian ecclesiastical architecture. The church dates back to the late-romanesque period of the 12 th century and underwent further construction until the gothic period in the 15 the century. The church, named after Saint Stephan, nowadays is being used by the Catholic parish of Saint Stephan. The Breisacher Münster as a historic site is especially renowned for its interior design also hosts the 100 square meters large mural "Das Jüngste Gericht" by Martin Schongauer. (NT-Wed 14-16)

History

Settlement on today’s minster hill can be traced back to the Neolithic Period. During the Celtic Period, a ruler’s seat, which maintained trade relations as far as to the Mediterranean, was situated on the hill’s plateau. The Romans also recognised its strategic significance and thus erected a castle on the top of it. Emperor Valentinian I. wrote an edict there on the 30th August 369, which marks Breisach’s earliest mentioning in a written document. This edict refers to ‘mons Brisacus’ and to “the hill, that breaks the water/ where water is broken/split.” [1] Both terms probably describe the geographic situation of that time. After the Alemannians conquered Breisach around 1400, it became one of the most important places in the Upper Rhine valley region. The period from 1198 to 1218 under the rule of Duke Berthold of Zähringen was characterised by various construction projects. During this time Breisach Castle was built on the northern side, a well was constructed in the centre and St. Steven’s Minster was created on the southern side of the hill. Churches from the Merovingian and Carolingian times have been thought to have existed in the place where today’s minster is situated. However, no material evidence has been found to support these assumptions. (LS Wed 14-16)

North side with the gate of Gallus

The Gate of Gallus (1150/70) is the most significant Romanesque sculpture work in Switzerland and is said to be the oldest Romanesque figure-portal in the German-speaking area. Its name derives from the former altar, which was situated in the northern transept of the minster. The Gate, located at the place of the altar, shows various archaic figures and bears resemblance to a triumphal arch. The portal is nearly in its original state. Around the bronze door, dated back to 1892, the four Evangelists, silly and wise virgins, angels with fanfares who leave their graves as well as dead in front of the Last Judgement are portrayed. In the arch bay thrones Christ as mild and philanthropic judge of the worlds. The figures are expressive in gesture and facial expression, which is uncommon for Romanesque figures. The art-historical research is uncertain if the Gallus Gate was originally built into the West front and moved to the north front in 1285 or if it was never moved. The first option seems to be more probable. The Gate had been painted with colours over again since it had been built in the 12th century. Beneath the remains of various red coats lie a coloured gothic and an also coloured post-reformist version. Above the Gate is a rosette-window which symbolizes a monolithic wheel of fortune. Around the circular window figures are clinging who represent the ever-changing earthly happiness. The spokes and hubs of the rosette were originally made of oak, but were substituted by sandstone in the 19th century. On the top sits a man under a gothic canopy. The more commonly known goddess of fortune is missing here. Between the Gate and the rosette are visible cracks, which date back to the earthquake in 1536. The front of the transept is framed by two huge pillars and therefore completes the north side to the East.

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1st paragraph

St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Breisach

St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Breisach is a romanesque-gothic church and emblem of the city of Breisach am Rhein. The city’s landmark, which is located on the Münsterberg, can be seen from far away. The distinctive feature of the church, which consists of one nave and two aisles, are the two steeples which are situated next to the choir. This is uncommon in Christian sacred architecture. The church dates from the late Romanesque period of the twelfth century and was expanded up to the Gothic period of the fifteenth century. The church, which was named after Saint Stephanus, is used by the catholic perish of Saint Stephen. St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Breisach is known for its cultural-historically significant interior, for example for the fresco “The Last Judgement” by Martin Schongauer, which measures over 100 square metres.

History

1.The settlement of the plateau of the so called Münsterberg reaches back to the Neolithic period. Also the Romans recognised the strategic value of the place and constructed a fort. On august, 30, 369 the emperor Valentinian I. issued an edict to which Breisach owes its first written reference.

2.The precise time when the cathedral was built is unknown. It was probably begun after 1185 and finished in 1230. The oldest evidence of a church in Breisach is a document that claims to date from 14th April 1139. Within this Pope Innocent II confirms, among other things, the ownership of the estate in Breisach, along with the church and its daughter church Hohstaht (Hochstetten), to the Bishop of Basel. Curtis de Brisache cum ecclesia et filia sua Hostaht. Although the document is a fake from the end of the 12th century, the content appears to be true.

3.In the 13th century a gothic choir with a polygonal completion was added to the church. After 1330 larges expansions were made in the westward direction. These, however, were only completed after a certain mural height. This led to an unfinished building that was attached to the western wall for approximately one hundred years. This long construction break led to some inaccuracies on the west porch as well as on the north porch with its tracery tympanum. It was only at the end of the 15th century that the still now existing west building was erected. It shows obvious traces of a new change in plans during the construction time. By means of the dates 1475 at a pillar and 1785 at the southern exterior of the stair turret the beginning and end of the construction time can be read. During the time of the Celts there was the residence of a Celtic lord on the plateau with trading connections as far south as the Mediterranean region.