Built in the 11th century, Mainz Cathedral has had an eventful history. Designed as a three-nave Romanesque pillar basilica, the cathedral is one of the imperial cathedrals and has been the venue of several coronations and imperial diets in recent centuries. The various additions show Romanesque as well as Gothic and Baroque elements. The archbishop of the time, Willigs, wanted to underline his claim to the role of the city of Mainz as a “Second Rome” by designing this monumental building. Thus, over the centuries, Mainz Cathedral became a religious and political centre of the Roman-German Empire. Mainz Cathedral has already survived seven fires in its history.
