- The Speyer cathedral undergoes a six-year restoration project
Speyer Cathedral is undergoing scaffolding for a six-year-long renewal project, commencing on September 2 with the southeast tower. The Palatine city's cathedral chapter confirmed this development. Visitors and photographers should brace for restrictions, but the chief cathedral builder, Hedwig Drabik, is glad that renovation works have finally started. The cathedral chapter deemed it necessary to address loose stones and crumbling mortar on both east towers immediately.
Planning for this significant renovation project on the Romanesque architectural gem started in 2021. In 2023, the facade restoration on the southeast tower will commence, followed by the northeast tower in the same year. The project entails natural stone surfaces, the tower's gable, and water drainage improvement. The goal is to complete the renewal of the east towers by the 2030 millennial celebration.
A bridge connecting the towers will be constructed.
Due to the cathedral's historical fabric and towering height, special care is required, as stated by the cathedral chapter. Plans for a bridge connecting the east towers (up to 71 meters high) will be implemented to make future maintenance on the northeast tower more feasible.
Preliminary damage assessments were conducted in October 2021. Measurements of the facade serve as a basis for the renovation. Ultrasound and vibration measurements help evaluate the structure's stability. Separate evaluations will focus on the heavily damaged ceilings from 1931.
The towers were constructed during the Romanesque era, completed near the end of the 11th century. However, the renovation project's success hinges on funding, with the European Foundation of Speyer Cathedral providing 20,000 euros. Additional funding comes from donation campaigns and photo projects. The state contributes 40% of the total costs, but further financing is needed urgently. The cathedral chapter is actively securing more funding.
The estimated initial construction phase cost is €1.2 million. A definitive total cost estimate for both towers is yet to be determined, as the static investigation results are still pending.
Visitors planning a trip to Speyer may want to note the ongoing renovations at Speyer Cathedral, which started on September 2. The city of Speyer's renowned landmark includes a planned bridge connection between the east towers, set to facilitate future maintenance on the northeast tower.
