Paderborner Dom

The majestic Paderborn Cathedral, officially known as the High Cathedral of Saints Mary, Liborius, and Kilian, is the spiritual heart of the city of Paderborn. This cathedral is an outstanding architectural ensemble where the austerity of the Romanesque style meets the elegance of the Gothic, reflecting the centuries of history carefully preserved by Germany.

Paderborn Cathedral. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The scale of the building is impressive: it is 104 meters long, with its western tower reaching 93 meters into the sky. Inside lies one of Germany's largest crypts, housing the relics of Saint Liborius, the city's patron saint. The cathedral's uniqueness is further highlighted by its location directly above the springs of the Pader River, which gave life to the entire settlement.

Among its many artistic treasures, the famous “Three Hares Window” stands out—a 16th-century masterpiece that has become a symbol of the city. The mysterious image of three hares running in a circle, sharing only three ears between them, attracts thousands of tourists. The cathedral is also renowned for its massive organ with 151 stops, considered one of the largest in the country.

To check the schedule of festive services or to plan a group visit, you can use the official communication channels. Cathedral staff and the information center are always ready to help tourists navigate the spiritual and cultural life of this historic site.

Below is the basic contact information for the cathedral administration:

The first thing to do when visiting the cathedral is to carefully examine the Main Portal, also known as the Paradise Portal, decorated with 13th-century sculptures. Once inside, be sure to find the “Three Hares Window” in the northern part of the cloisters. Try to solve the ancient riddle: how it is that each hare has two ears, even though only three are depicted for the whole circle.

Make sure to go down into the crypt, which reaches 32 meters in length—this space possesses a particularly solemn atmosphere. The relics of Saint Liborius are kept here. In the main hall, look for the late 15th-century Gothic altar and the moving Pietà sculpture. Music lovers will be doubly lucky if they catch an organ concert or a performance by one of the renowned cathedral choirs, whose history dates back to the 9th century.

It is best to end your tour with a walk in the inner courtyard or a visit to St. Bartholomew’s Chapel. This place is ideal for quiet reflection: here you can see ancient bas-reliefs, Latin quotes, and feel the spirit of the Early Middle Ages. The restrained facades and the green-patina copper roofs give the entire complex a fairytale and slightly austere appearance.

Paderborn Cathedral is located in the heart of the historic center at Domplatz, 33098 Paderborn. Thanks to its central location, it is easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the old town, guided by its 93-meter tower which is visible from afar.

If you are arriving by train, the walk from the main station, Paderborn Hauptbahnhof, takes about 20–25 minutes at a leisurely pace (a distance of about 2 km). You can also use city buses or trams, which will take you to the central square in just 10 minutes. From the nearest airport, Paderborn-Lippstadt, located 20 km away, it is most convenient to take a taxi or an express bus, a journey of about half an hour.

For travelers by car, there are several paid parking lots near the cathedral; however, it is worth noting that the city center is very well-suited for walking and cycling. The shortest path to the main entrance often leads through picturesque streets along the springs of the Pader River.

The history of this site dates back to the 8th century: in 776, the Karlsburg fortress was erected here. A landmark event was the meeting between Charlemagne and Pope Leo III in 799, which led to the foundation of the Bishopric of Paderborn. The creation of the cathedral choir, considered one of the oldest in Europe, also dates back to this period.

A particular point of pride for the complex is St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, consecrated in 1017. It is recognized as the oldest surviving hall church north of the Alps and has miraculously endured for a thousand years. The main building of the current cathedral took shape in the 13th century, harmoniously combining the massive Romanesque west tower with the Gothic elements of the main hall.

Over the centuries, the cathedral's appearance has evolved: Baroque restorations followed the Thirty Years' War, and after the severe destruction of 1945, the building was meticulously restored. Even the cathedral's famous bells have their own story: the ancient "Clara" and "Gloria" did not survive, and the current ensemble of bells was cast in the post-war era to once again fill the city with their resonance.

To leisurely explore the cathedral's interiors, descend into the crypt, and find the famous “Three Hares Window,” most visitors need between 1.5 and 2 hours. This is enough time to appreciate the scale of the architecture and study the main works of art inside the church.

If you plan to visit St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, walk through the inner courtyard, or listen to one of the cathedral's three organs during a service, you should add another 30–60 minutes to your visit. History enthusiasts may require more time to study the information boards and the intricate details of the bas-reliefs.

The cathedral is open to the public daily, making it accessible to tourists any day of the week. The church doors open early in the morning and remain open until the evening:

Monday – Sunday: from 06:30 to 18:30.

Please note that during liturgies and holiday services, access to certain parts of the cathedral (such as the altar area or the crypt) may be temporarily restricted for tour groups. It is recommended to plan your visit considering the service schedule listed on the official website.

The cathedral's location in the historic core of the city allows tourists to see many interesting sights without even leaving the square. A stroll through the surrounding area will help you feel the atmosphere of old Westphalia more deeply and discover the cozy corners of Paderborn.

Many attractions are within walking distance—from medieval houses to modern interactive spaces. Here is a list of the most noteworthy places nearby: