Ulmer Münster (Ulm Minster) is a Evangelisch-Lutherische (Lutheran) church located in Ulm, State of…read moreBaden-Württemberg. It is currently the tallest church in the world and will likely remain so until Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is finally completed. The church is the fifth-tallest structure built before the 20th century, with a steeple measuring 161.5 meters (530 ft.). Ulmer Münster was begun in the Gothic architecture of the Late Middle Ages (1377) but the building was not completed until the late 19th century (1890) after a hiatus of centuries. When work ceased in 1543, all of the church except the towers and some outer decorations were complete, unlike at Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) where less than half of the work had been done before construction halted in 1473 (started in 1248). Visitors can climb the 768 steps that lead to the top of the minster's spire. At 143 m (469 ft.) it gives a panoramic view of Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and Neu-Ulm in Bavaria, and, in clear weather, a vista of the Alps from Säntis to the Zugspitze (highest point in Germany). Though it is sometimes referred to as Ulm Cathedral because of its great size, the church is not a cathedral as it has never been the episcopal see of a bishop. Though the towers and all decorative elements are of stone masonry, attracting the attention of visitors, most of the walls, including the façades of the nave and choir, actually consist of visible brick. Therefore, the building is sometimes referred to as a brick church. As such, it lays claim to the rank of second- to fourth-largest, after San Petronio Basilica in Bologna and together with Frauenkirche in München and St. Mary's Church in Gdańsk. The tower, however, was mainly built from sandstone. The tale/legend of the Ulmer Spatz (sparrow) is an interesting story. I received a pamphlet at the Tourist Information: the inhabitants of Ulm needed a particularly large beam for the construction of Ulm Minster, but could not get it through the city gate. As they were about to tear the gate down, they noticed a sparrow carrying a straw for its nest; which turned it from crosswise to lengthwise in its beak. A realization descended on the people of Ulm. Since that epiphany, they have placed long loads along rather than across their carts and were able to enter the city without rebuilding their gate. It's a must visit when you are in Ulm. Gothic architecture is magnificent, and you'll earn bragging rights of having been to the tallest church in the world!!

What a beautiful and amazing church. The inside of the church is absolutely worth walking around…read moreand looking at. Gorgeous. Make sure you are prepared to climb 700+ stairs. Pay the €5 and climb it. The view is amazing. It is very difficult, but worth it in the end. If you find yourself in Ulm, you must visit the cathedral. You won't regret it.

Nice church. Inside, white and baroque style. While the name suggests jesuite, it's a Catholic…read moreChurch. Nice to stop by while in Heidelberg. It's nearby the other large church and near the castle

Walking through the old town area of Heidelberg, you can see the reddish front of the Jesuit Church…read moredown a narrow alleyway off the pedestrian zone. Interested to know more, we wandered down the alley to a very pretty ,small 'square' of old buildings (Richard Hauser-Platz). We took a few photos of the square, then stepped inside the church. Jesuit churches I have visited in Europe have a 'light and airy' feel to them. I enjoy the 'heavy' gothic churches too, but this Baroque, white interior church is just beautiful. White columns highlighted with gold details, vaulted white arched ceilings, high windows illuminate the bright, minimally adorned interior, delicate glass chandeliers reflect light without interrupting the white expanse. The pipe organ is also lovely with gold baroque detail on the keyboard cupboard. I did not get a chance to hear the organ played, but I suspect it would be worth a visit to hear. There are a few areas along the interior walls with devotional areas which may include a painting with a table below, candles, flowers or other item. A museum is attached to the church, but we did not enter. You can easily wander around the church in a short time and be on your way again. This is an active parish, so be aware when visiting locals may be inside praying or services may be on- going. If you like Baroque style, this is definitely a stop to make. Easily accessed from the pedestrian zone (the Hauptstrasse) in the old section of town near University Platz.

This church is right dab in the middle of this cute town! With the high towers, vaulted ceilings,…read morestained glass windows and ornate altars, it pretty much depicts a typical medieval church. However, two MUST SEES are the Twelve Apostle Altar and the Altar of the Holy Blood. Both are masterpieces of carved wood. Walk around, take photos, take in the sights. The 2 euro entry fee is nothing compared to the history inside. I was impressed with the church including the 500 year old wood carvings in intricate and skillful detail. While walking around this picture-perfect town, make sure to visit St. Jackobs-Kirche.

There is a 2 euro fee per person .. no thats not alot but I think a church is the one place all…read moreshould be welcomed with no fee. It was very old and nice but I've been to far more impressive churches that did not charge a fee ..I totally think they should have an area for donations. We stopped for an hour in Rothenburg on our Globus tour and we saw this large church and decided to investigate. We saw so many impressive churches on our 16 days 6 country tour ... but glad we got a chance to see them all.