Contest of the cathedrals - the Romanesque period | DW Documentary

Why did Christians start building cathedrals reaching to the sky 1000 years ago? Was it to demonstrate earthly power, or an attempt to be close to God? Whatever the reason, the resulting architecture still fascinates us today.
The Romanesque period still harbors many unsolved mysteries. For example, what led people at the turn of the millennium to build churches that towered into the sky, triggering competition among cities over cathedral size and splendor? This cathedral obsession is illustrated by the examples in Mainz, Worms and Speyer.
In St. John's Church in Mainz, a sarcophagus is opened after being sealed for 1,000 years. It’s the resting place of Archbishop Erkanbald, who built Mainz Cathedral, the largest religious building in the West at the time. It was hoped the cathedral would turn Mainz into a second Rome, promoting its archbishop to pope’s deputy. A short time later, King Conrad constructed a cathedral in Speyer, a burial place for his Salian dynasty. Its scope would befit the fact that God had installed the Salians as an imperial dynasty and therefore as supreme rulers of the world. Inevitably, there were conflicts between rulers and men of the church. But in Worms, another group established itself in the 12th Century quest for power: the emerging bourgeoisie. A new era began, in which the rigid power structures of the Romanesque period, reflected in its massive buildings, slowly broke down. As they did so, they left space for a new architectural style that honored openness and light: the Gothic.
Pat 2: • Contest of the cathedr...
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[@MarieClairAmorim]

I'm so glad I can see wonderful documentaries for free with internet. Thanks a lot to make knowledge accessible to everyone around the world, and thank you for everyone who work to produce, design, filming, editing, the people who make this possible! I'm really grateful. ❤

[@TrainLordJC]

In 1972 I was working on a river Rhine barge as a Dutch Australian twenty year old and our barge had a load for Speyer port. Ignorant of European Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals at the time, my Dutch Captain suggested that I walk from the harbour and take a look at and a wander through a big church close to the harbour, and of course it was the magnificent Speyer Cathedral. Even then I was totally impressed with its magnificence and sheer size and height. Not long later our river barge docked in Cologne where once again my astute and educated Captain suggested that I take a walk to the magnificent Cologne Gothic Cathedral located close to the river and which we passed every time whilst sailing on the river Rhine through Cologne. These two amazing cathedrals inspired me to learn more about this spectacular period of European history and after having visited so many cathedrals in Europe since then I have developed a strong appreciation for the significance of their history. This, coming from someone living in Australia where there are no such buildings from this period. DW documentaries are excellent.

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Everyone at DW deserves to be recognized for the effort to bring balanced news from around the world and well researched, informative documentaries on a variety of topics. I always look forward to learning something new watching DW, thanks so much for what you do!

[@feisaldianga511]

The cathedral of Europe is really fascinating the history, culture and religion spanning centuries and the rulers that build them that allow us to study and tour this magnificent structure is really awesome

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DW is like an open university. Thank you for all your insightful documentaries. Almost as an afterthought, the narration is the quintessential component of the reporting. 👌

[@franzm4945]

That Speyer Cathedral wooden model was so cool! What a great way to present the cathedral’s evolution.

[@veenalouis5625]

DW is my study room, always the best

[@donpula6349]

I was going to say the same thing too.

[@donpula6349]

DW & Japanology were both my interesting subjects.

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Such a relief to see a good documentary without the endless recaps and unending shouting tone of American documentaries.

[@ergodoy7741]

@Baba Gandu And peace to you.

[@colinjones9211]

Totally agree.

[@peterallman8474]

Indeed. Also without profiles of the presenter peering into the middle distance trying to look intelligent. And without intrusive music. Very well done.

[@billybobwombat2231]

A touch of class and culture

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Good and Bad docs from every country last I checked

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DW: from your news that pays excellent attention to overlooked parts of the world, to your documentaries about all manner of topics, and the top quality of everything that you produce: thank you!!!!!!!

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Hi @Lucas James, thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback! We're really appreciate you tuning in and are glad you like our content. 🙂

[@williamj.stockich]

DW, aside from the story, I found the quality of the video beyond expectations. The vividness of the colors, the sharpness of the focus. Stupendous and mesmerizing!

[@FlavioRodrigo]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Germany has a lot of Romanesque and Gothic churches and I love it. Can´t wait to be back and explore more.

[@demi3115]

France and England are the place to be for Gothic cathedrals :)

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

@@arolemaprarath6615 i agree, being that italy had rome and ancient greek in their roots, they have interesting stuff in their country cos of those ancient times dating back long before egypt?

[@onurozdemir3656]

We want more! Gothic-Baroque-Rococo-Neoclassic-Art Nouveau churches please!

[@olbiomoiros]

I have never seen a church in art nouveau style. I can’t even imagine one.

[@onurozdemir3656]

@@olbiomoiros There are some in the UK (Glasgow-Macintosh connection); some in Austria; also can’t Sagrada Familia count as Art Nouveau? 😜 There some more in Germany, Czech, Hungary too, I think. Would be very nice to see them all in a concise program @DWDocumentary :)

[@LucarioBoricua]

@@olbiomoiros The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona is perhaps the grandest example in this style, and we have the privilege of witnessing its construction, although I'd imagine the COVID pandemic has put a considerable disruption on the planned completion timeline.

[@kennj321]

you can stop at Baroque. Architecture when downhill after that.

[@Multi0703]

yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!! By all means!!!!!! Don't forget to include in the list Byzantine style ones as well - they are my favourite ones as well! :)

[@aeolus5849]

DW provides incredible well researched documentaries that stimulate the mind and imagination.

[@pchabanowich]

Utterly magnificently prepared! And such jewels of the imagination to lovingly capture for us who may never glimpse the far reaches and intimate humoresques of these splendours. Thank you from my heart.❤️

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It fills me with joy when I look for a subject in KZbin and there is a DW documentary about it. I know I am safe and well be very well introduced to the subject.

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Fantastic and well put together. Thanks DW

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Nothing better then unwinding with a good DW video after a long day . This is a great channel

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Hi @diegop2311, glad to hear you're enjoying our content! Thanks a lot for watching and taking the time to comment. 🙂

[@ozonzechibudike4293]

DW made me love Germany after watching the channel for two years in Nigeria, Germany is now topmost on my list of countries to visit.

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DW's #1 documentaries. Thanks.

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If feel like a traveller whenever I watch your documentaries. Good job Dw.

[@reganpereira]

Another stunning and amazing documentary....

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Quality. Simply, quality. Learning made in a way that leaves you wanting more. Thank you DW.

[@terezasantana8178]

Embora um pouco atrasada venho agradecer a possibilidade de traduzir legendas. Obrigado DW 😊. Cada vez mais sua fã 😃.

[@leschang1980]

Dw thank u for this kind of documentary. Keeping my sanity in this trying times.

[@MikeGill87]

I really have to do a trip of Germany sometime. Living right next door, I always pass through, but aside from Regensburg, Munich and Dresden I never really visited it properly. A visit to the western, Roman part, is long overdue.

[@chakkakon]

How in the world were they able to build such amazingly intricate and massive structures with the ‘only tools’ they had at that time? We couldn’t replicate these buildings today. We’re not being told the entire His Story of earth and civilizations.

[@fetus2280]

lol .. Yes we Can "replicate" these things ...is it cost effective? Is it up to todays building codes/standards.... Come on now . We can go to Mars ffs ... think a bout it .

[@BLOVES]

@@fetus2280 - kinda, but still kinda not in a way ...I used to work at a French antique store and some of those old, formal pieces of furniture have such intricate glass beveling in the doors, it has to be done by hand ...and bc it’s basically a “lost art” it actually can’t be replicated by modern machinery ....now could we produce technology to do it? ...of course ...but is it cost effective based off the need? no, it’s not ....but all n all, it cannot be replicated today bc the technology presently doesn’t exist

[@cezarstefanseghjucan]

It was back when craftsmanship was inherited from father to son, everything was a family business or at least a guild, the more intricate, the more knit. Not everything was a rosy, but they build things that long outlasted their markers.

[@johnmcclellan9020]

Finally a documentary that got it right. Constantine made Christianity legal he did not make it the official religion of Rome that was the Emperor Theodosius.

[@milekrizman]

Real beggining of Middle ages. Era when Olympic games, public nudity, homosexuality and open debate were prohibited. All hallmarks of antiquity.

[@PHAD-rf3oe]

Too much dramatisation and subjective guesswork makes this documentary inauthentic and preachy.

[@jawedmanowar657]

Just Brilliant such an in-depth documentary for the growth of knowledge Which only DW can made

[@samuelsoltesz]

The unimaginable beauties of the Catholic Church indeed

[@NewVoiceMMI]

Fantastic documentary combing faith, history, architecture and archaeology. Looking forward to the one on Gothic Period! Next week?

[@merelleenman]

Thanks for making this documentary. It must have been a great deal of work to do so. I toughly enjoyed this video!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching!

[@MichaelAndersxq28guy]

DW, thank you for making education and knowledge free and accessible.

[@mdaniel5384]

Sagrada Familia is overall the most impressive cathedral ever built. It is still in construction after 140 years since the work started. Sainte-Chapelle interior is arguable the most exquisite of any church ever, while the south portal of Jeronimos Monastery in Portugal is ond of the most exquisite example of an exterior of a Christan building.

[@svharvey1]

Diana Harvey Wonderful documentary! Thank you!

[@monicacall7532]

Thank you for a stunning study and history of Romanesque architecture in cathedral building. I can’t wait to watch the video on gothic style architecture. As a student of the humanities I am constantly fascinated by the creativity and ingenuity of the masons and artisans over a millennium ago. I know that they were mostly nameless because they felt that their work was serving God. How I wish that we could have known what inspired these people to build and create specific works of such breathtaking beauty especially knowing the challenges that they must’ve faced in doing so without modern technology and safety standards! I also wish that they could have known how much their work would inspire and amaze people many centuries into the future.

[@nefwaenre]

The research was absolutely fascinating!! You know, i get to learn so much, and live through all these archaeologists, all thanks to you! Just a minor inconvenience though: It's hai·yuh soh·fee·aa or Haa·gya So·faa·yah. Many thanks for the documentary! ♥

[@johnwhitehead4446]

Excellent. So good to see an intelligent presentation about medieval faith and culture.

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

I have always been moved by people that starts building something so magnificent... knowing that they will not live enough to see it completed. Maybe the great-great-grandchildren they will never know will be alive to enjoy the place they started. That is transcending love

[@pmhernane3903]

38:38 undoubtedly the cutest part of this documentary 😁

[@johananonym901]

Great video!

[@laurensouthgate2458]

We certainly can learn a lot about building and beauty and usefulness combined.I really enjoyed this.

[@arbaz79]

Great DW Documentary as usual 👍.Looking forward to the Gothic part 2.Love from PK💚.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @AN Q, here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apaqiHuul7mGhZo Happy watching and be sure to let us know what you think! 🙂

[@jayjay-bz3rr]

I always enjoy DW news , commentary

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Thank you, we appreciate your comment. :-)

[@Itzchandan024]

Wow, your amazing documentaries are so captivating at all times 😍🙌

[@adroitspartan7907]

Great stuff. From the shadows to the light - onwards to the Koelnischer Dom ...

[@1991ROLEX]

Speyer was my diocese while I was living in Germany (Kaiserslautern) I so loved that church! This is a very interesting and educational documentary.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@bramyehezkiel5532]

Great content

[@thomasrowan5951]

Fine explanation of the history of the Church and politics.

[@mdaniel5384]

Pisa Cathedral is the best example of Romanesque architecture.

[@matthewmann8969]

They are really well planned, plotted, placed, priced, and practiced

[@johndewey6358]

DW should do a documentary about Mithraism in Europe, its impact and symbolism that thrives even today.

[@Ukie88]

Ken Follet’s PILLARS OF THE EARTH is a great tv series on a cathedral story following the political intrigues of church and state.

[@ioloindeseo]

very good- interesting and informative, thank you. i often wish there would be as intelligent exploration of the 'visionary process', i suppose i mean some of the figuring, calculating, applying of forces dealt with, in the structure, and of the society it is built in and by, - and to think on: that space itself in that day was such an unusual thing/experience for a far larger proportion of people than today - to this people, the open enclosedness of grand buildings which we take for granted is a coloration/intensification over and beyond, the illusions that such space offers the eyes . a very tempting tool to any with hegemonic needs and anxiety

[@juanparacchini4772]

The cathedrals where greater than the pyramids, the hanging gardens of babylon, or the great walls of China. The tombs of the bishops are greater than the tombs of the pharaohs.

[@rickcrippen5180]

Beautiful video.

[@tito-a]

Fascinating! Thank you!

[@user-ge8yn4ql4i]

I quite like the Romanesque vibe. It's comfy and cozy.

[@amydy7382]

DW you're the best

[@MrBrownnn696]

The story with the dog was really funny

[@KevinSmith-jn3ws]

Thank you DW, I love you so much

[@watersportsbyjamesfitzroy5870]

I have been to so many churches in my travels that it’s more often than when I actually go to church just to pray

[@thomasrowan5951]

Fascinating history of the early Church and political powers.

[@marcelomonteiro375]

What a cliffhanger! 😃 I didn't know that light was a feature of Gothic architecture: in fact, I would guess exactly the opposite.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Marcelo Monteiro, we have part two coming up on Sunday! Stay tuned. 😀

[@kapilsethia9284]

I also thought that. Like Gothic clothes.

[@beta447]

16:26 - The ASMR is unreal.

[@reynaldsusain]

Gregorian chant..

[@peterallman8474]

The chanting or the annointing, or both together?

[@beta447]

@@peterallman8474 Both together.

[@gloamishvonsatyrburg4635]

Bravo...DW

[@budg7525]

I noticed that there was a (1) in the title in the thumbnail. Does that mean that we can anticipate a (2), a second episode???? Fingers crossed!

[@aalexandra8251]

And the second episode is released a few hours ago. :)

[@svenlindemann5084]

And is this intentional on this page, that it impossible to edit my post ?

[@Nonamearisto]

39:10 Best dog ever.

[@Rob_GUERRERO]

Where are you watching this? I'm in Brazil.

[@olchat2012]

México

[@mjc11a]

Thailand.

[@daisyfleur2334]

Indonesian

[@johnvincent1595]

Japan

[@peterallman8474]

Chester, England

[@jerolvilladolid]

Amazing how, in the 11th century the biggest cities had 100k people. But cathedrals were being opened every other month. Where today its been 100 years since the last cathedral was finished in sagada spain. And there are billions of people today. Shows where human piety had gone

[@ValyArdeleanu]

Nice voice of the narrator.

[@aati6442]

Why was the largest romanesque cathedral, the Cluny Abbey,, not even mentioned? Or Modena or Monreale?

[@Phooie]

Haven't watched yet but by the comments here I won't be disappointed.

[@BreadWinner330]

The best view of the Cathedral: 24:30

[@RP-mm9ie]

A touch of class

[@aaadit4131]

I'm ex muslim and become Christian. For me Christianity is not only religion, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

[@whywhywhywhy7559]

🧢🧢🧢 get your free 🧢🧢🧢

[@jlb1397]

Religion and relationship is just the same that is why you call yourself as a christian because that is your religion and the word religion is came from the latin word religare which means to bind again or to connect.

[@ivanard6627]

How?

[@lotfibouhedjeur]

☪️✝️🔯🕉️☯️☸️💩

[@bivvystridents3752]

Hopefully your next move will be to leave all of that fiction behind.

[@XX-gy7ue]

Brilliant

[@itssean3465]

It's crazy the greed and the cost durning times of starving people like who built them slaves or working class and did they use scaffolding.

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

I love cathedrals 💒

[@drake1312]

We need to go back to Romanesque Art and Romanesque Architecture

[@chakkakon]

it’s funny how there aren’t any images or drawings showing how they were built.

[@fetus2280]

Why would there be ?

[@cezarstefanseghjucan]

Destroyed on purpose.

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

@@cezarstefanseghjucan i could imagine they destroyed the blueprints and papers to build it because its classified and if ppl get their hands on it or worse theyre enemies they steal their secrets (they considered stuff like this super secret) so yea 🤷‍♂️

[@reynaldsusain]

Gregorian chant! 😍

[@davidannderson9796]

The opening is inaccurate. The first Christians worshipped in each other's homes, not in underground tombs. The first churches were ordinary homes. I'm sure the rest of the documentary will be great, though! p.s. underground crypts were holy places. I'm sure they went there to pay respects to the dead. But the early Christians certainly did not have to worship in underground tombs!

[@socio-economicnewsnetwork4740]

Please make a documentary about Protestantism from German point of view

[@monkmind7]

I wanted this video ❤️👍🙏

[@rmp7400]

As was... so shall it again be....and then Christ will return to reverse all harm and reign in glory!

[@michellemurphy658]

Wunderbar !!!!!

[@binkwillans5138]

Brilliant.

[@zerosaber257]

European Christianity is still the best religion for making and maintaining a civilization. Especially in modern times it is the least oppressive and least violent.

[@joshyaj4317]

Don't you think European Christianity is a compromised cult that endorse new world order, pantheism and LGBT agenda?

[@alextrece1164]

Hey DW can you show us the history of Dracula or the origin of vampires... if it is real or myth. Tnx in advance..

[@abhilashpaul9237]

God bless and protect my Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

[@Phooie]

Super

[@naifalharbe4123]

I hope that justice will be achieved in the case of Jamal Khashoggi and the Yemen war crimes

[@alankovacik1928]

yah, i don't think that no one knew about the catacombs

[@dion789]

I'm biased, but I think Europe has the most beautiful buildings in the world.

[@mdsabahuddin8251]

Not really. They just get a lot of media attention.

[@honeybeelove63]

100% and I like that they didn't jump on the bandwagon of building hedious skyscrapers that practically erases a countries history...I like European style of buildings

[@rodongo5221]

I agree. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@cezarstefanseghjucan]

@@mdsabahuddin8251 Ne, they are still objectively the best

[@mdsabahuddin8251]

@@cezarstefanseghjucan whatever they have built is from the money robbed from the colonies.

[@jennifers6435]

Poor subtitle translation

[@user-px2ro6nv7y]

Bravo!

[@jonesbaah4473]

DW❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@xavisanchez7522]

And why not mention the cathedral of st jaume or sadly called today Santiago? The jubileee was implemented by the pope of the time that was carolingian

[@perttiheinikko3780]

I like the sturdy romanesque a lot more than the extravagant gothic. Gothic cathedrals bring to mind spiders, claws and scorpions.

[@Theodisc]

Must have been a dissatisfied, forcefully converted Saxon who snuck into Willigis' brand new shiny church and put it to the fire. The Saxons were (and are) a doughty lot. On another note, the oldest word borrowed from Greek that went eventually into English (and other Germanic languages) is church from κυριακόν (δώμα) / kyriakón (dōma) lord's or main (house): Hence we have Kirche in DE (kirihha in Old High German), cirice in Old EN, kirk in Scots Doric, kirke in Danish, etc. ⛪