Würzburg Cathedral

Würzburg Cathedral (Dom St. Kilian) in Würzburg, Bavaria, is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Germany and the seat of the city's bishops. Behind its four austere towers lies a surprising interior that blends white Baroque stucco with bold postwar design. Located on the pedestrian street between the Residence and the Old Main Bridge, it is an easy, free addition to any day of sightseeing in Würzburg.

A Romanesque giant, rebuilt

Earlier cathedrals stood here in the 8th and 9th centuries. The present church was begun by Bishop Bruno in 1040 and completed under Bishop Adalbero around 1075. At about 105 meters (345 feet) long, it ranks as the fourth-largest Romanesque church in Germany.

Allied bombing in March 1945 devastated Würzburg, and in 1946 much of the cathedral's north wall collapsed. Architect Hans Schädel led the rebuilding, completed in 1967, when the church was dedicated to St. Kilian, the Irish missionary bishop venerated as the apostle of Franconia. A major renovation closed the interior from 2011 to the end of 2012.

What to see

• The bronze main doors by sculptor Fritz Koenig (1962), themed on the Creation.
• Two bishops' tombs by Tilman Riemenschneider, the great late-Gothic sculptor of Würzburg.
• The Schönborn Chapel, a burial chapel designed by Balthasar Neumann, architect of the Würzburg Residence.
• The Menorah, a large seven-branched candelabrum where guided tours begin.
• The organ, built by Klais in 1969 with 87 stops, and a ring of 20 bells, the oldest cast in 1257.

Opening hours and tours

Admission is free. As of October 2026, the cathedral is open daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m., and on Sundays until 7:30 p.m. after evening Mass. Visits are not possible during services, and the church may close at short notice for rehearsals.

From the Tuesday after Easter until October 31, a short organ meditation is held Monday to Saturday at 12:05 p.m., followed by a one-hour public tour in German at 12:30 p.m. (€6, children up to 14 free). English tours are available for pre-booked groups. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for a self-guided visit.

How to get there

Würzburg lies in Lower Franconia, northern Bavaria. ICE trains reach the city from Frankfurt in a little over an hour and from Nuremberg in about an hour, and Munich is around two hours away. Frankfurt Airport is the closest major international airport. From Würzburg Hauptbahnhof, walk about 15 minutes through the center or take a tram toward the cathedral. Prices in Germany are in euros (EUR).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. The cathedral is free, central, and tells the story of Würzburg's medieval power and its destruction in World War II. It pairs perfectly with the UNESCO-listed Residence and a walk across the Old Main Bridge.

Nearby

• Neumünster: the church built over St. Kilian's tomb, right next door.
• Old Main Bridge: a five-minute walk down Domstrasse.
• Würzburg Residence: a UNESCO World Heritage palace about ten minutes away.
• Marienberg Fortress: across the river, with views back over the cathedral.