SPEYER tourist attractions

Speyer is a historic city famous above all for its magnificent Romanesque cathedral included on the UNESCO list. It also has its place in the history of the Reformation because this is where the word Protestantism was born.

The origins of the city can be found in Roman times, when the Civitas Nemetum camp was located here, which was a base for further conquests. Already in the 4th century the bishopric was established here, and in the 10th century Otto I granted the town privileges giving it under the authority of the church.

It is with the church that the most important attraction of Spira is connected, the cathedral in Speyer erected at the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries, considered to be the largest Romanesque building in the world. The importance of this temple in the Middle Ages is evidenced by the fact that emperors and representatives of imperial German families were buried here.

At the end of the 13th century, Spira was granted the status of the Free City of the Reich. The Seym and the Reich Chamber Court held their sessions here. Its deliberations in 1526, during which it was forbidden to convert to Lutheranism, were particularly important. Martin Luther spoke against this decision, supported by 6 principalities and a dozen or so free cities. It was from this speech that Lutherans in Germany came to be called Protestants. To commemorate this event, a neo-gothic Memorial Church was built in Speyer at the beginning of the 20th century.

Due to the fact that large industry never developed in Speyer, the city survived in good condition during World War II and was not a target of air raids. You can watch here, among others the gothic Altpörtel city gate, the remains of the city walls, including the Heidentürmchen park, the baroque church of the Holy Trinity and the historic church of St. Joseph. A memento of the Jewish inhabitants of the town is the Jewish Łaźnia-Mikwe.

The main attractions of Spira are also the local museums, among which by far the most interesting is the Museum of Technology with its rich collection of technology and mechanics. There is also the Palatinate Historical Museum and the Schpira Museum, where you can learn about the history of the city and the region.

Those interested in nature have the opportunity to visit the Sea Life Speyer aquarium, and a popular attraction of the city is also the Speyer Cruise.