- Trier
Point of interest
Making provisions for one’s future was almost more important for the people of the Middle Ages than it is today. Because purgatory and the Last Judgement meant the future encompassed both this life and the afterlife. Which was a good thing if you were as financially comfortable as Adelheid von Besselich, the wealthy widow of the lord mayor. She invested her assets in things like raising the spire of St Gangolf’s Church, and had her and her late husband’s (Clas) coats of arms featured on the northern side of the spire so no one would forget her contribution. Pious actions which she hoped would shorten the time she and her husband spent in purgatory.
The citizens were overjoyed, as this also involved setting up a fire watch at the top of the spire, thereby better protecting the city. There was only one person who didn’t share their joy: Archbishop Richard von Greiffenklau, who now no longer had the tallest spire in the city. And he quickly sought to make amends. Today, the south-western spire is thus one floor higher than its counterpart at the north-western corner of the cathedral. After all, protecting one’s own status is also an investment in the future.
Visits are only possible outside the church services.
