Doors on the front facade of Basel Munster, Gross Basel, Switzerland


Basel Munster (cathedral) was built in different stages between 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic styles of red sandstone. It was originally Catholic but now belongs to the Swiss Reform Church. The empty column between the main door originally carried a statue of the Virgin Mary that was likely removed during the Reformation. The statues of Emperor Henry II and his wife, Empress Kunigunde, can be seen on the left side of the main doors. He is carrying a model of the church in his arms, and the Empress is is carrying a cross. On the right side is the Prince of this World (Satan); not seen in this view is a statue of a misguided virgin who is being seduced by the Prince of this World. A small dragon being speared by St. George (not seen in this version) is also seen to the left of the main porch.


Size: 3600px × 2400px
Location: Munsterplatz, Grossbasel, Basel, Switzerland
Photo credit: © Terry Allen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: basel, cathedral, church, doors, dragon, emperor, empress, front, gothic, grossbasel, henry, ii, kunigunde, munster, ornate, porch, prince, red, reform, romanesque, sandstone, stone, swiss, switzerland, world