Discover Speyer: Cathedral, World Heritage and Museums

When planning a trip to Speyer, you can focus on architectural and urban history, art, Jewish heritage or technology. The cathedral and Altpörtel, galleries and museums offer a range of different themes. For practical planning, the city walk, exploring on foot and the City Shuttle route are also worth considering.

The cathedral and medieval cityscape

At 134 metres in overall length, Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in the world. Construction began in the 1020s under Conrad II, with the aim of building the largest church of its time. The cathedral was consecrated in 1061, after more than 30 years of construction. The original building ambition, construction period and present-day overall length each offer a different insight into the history of the building.

The 55-metre-high Altpörtel was once the western main gate in Speyer’s medieval fortifications. From there, you can enjoy views of the Memorial Church, the Rhine and the Technik Museum Speyer, among other sights. The cathedral’s southwest tower also offers a viewpoint: after climbing another 214 steps, visitors reach the platform at a height of 60 metres. In good visibility, the view extends up to 50 kilometres. Access to the tower may vary depending on operating conditions; check in advance if you plan to visit the platform.

On foot, with an audio guide and by City Shuttle

Many of the sights are close enough together for you to explore Speyer comfortably on foot. The audio guide leads you on a circular route of about three kilometres through the city centre. Along the way, visitors encounter six sights, as well as historic buildings and hidden places. The route therefore takes in not only individual attractions but also other historic and less obvious places.

During the day, City Shuttle bus route 561 connects the railway station with the central car park at the Festplatz. It runs every ten minutes, passing directly by the cathedral, along Maximilianstraße and under the Altpörtel. This route thus connects the railway station with several stops in the city centre. If you plan to use the shuttle, check the current timetable before travelling.

Art and Jewish heritage

The Purrmann-Haus Museum presents the largest public collection of works by artist couple Hans Purrmann (1880–1966) and Mathilde Vollmoeller-Purrmann (1876–1943). The collection includes around 100 paintings, watercolours and prints, as well as archival materials and personal belongings. Individual displays may change; if you want to see particular works, check what is currently on show.

The Speyer Municipal Gallery offers a different perspective, with at least six exhibitions held each year. If you have a particular exhibition in mind, check the dates. The “Cross and Crown” exhibition can be complemented by guided tours of the exhibition, the Imperial Cathedral or the city of Speyer. If you are planning a guided tour, it is advisable to check the latest booking details.

Since 2021, the Judenhof in Speyer, together with the SchUM Sites in Worms and Mainz, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mikveh at the Judenhof is the oldest of its kind north of the Alps. The SchPIRA Museum displays original surviving windows, architectural elements and coin finds from the medieval synagogue and ritual bath at the Judenhof.

Technology at the Technik Museum Speyer

The Technik Museum Speyer focuses on a different theme. Its extensive outdoor grounds feature, among other things, a German Navy submarine, an Antonov—the largest propeller-driven aircraft ever built in series—and a Lufthansa jumbo jet. These technical exhibits offer a distinct area of interest for your stay, alongside the city’s art and cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Frankenthal, Worms, Mainz, Zweibrücken, Neustadt An Der Weinstraße

For the broader travel overview: Rhineland-Palatinate.