St. Lambert’s Church is an impressive Gothic addition to Muenster’s main square. The spires and stone work, now blackened with time, are beautiful and engaging. Look up, however, to spot the famous addition to the facade: three metal cages attached to the steeple of the church.
The cages have been hanging there since the 1500s, when they were used to display the bodies of John of Leiden and his compatriots. These radical Anabaptists seized control of the city for a year during the Reformation. The tower was rebuilt in the 1800s and the cages, now empty, were put back up as a reminder of the city’s history. Strike up a chat with a local to hear some of the scandalous stories about the time when these radicals ruled.
Inside the church, take a look at the pulpit. This is where Cardinal von Galen publicly condemned the Nazis in 1941. Head back outside to the southern entrance of the church to see one of the most famous carvings of the late medieval period: the Root of Jesse, depicting the lineage of Jesus.
The church is well worth a visit during the day, but return in the evening for another typically Muensterian experience. Ever since 1379, a türmer, or tower guard, has been keeping watch on the city every night, armed with a horn to warn for fires or enemies. Come to the square outside the church between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. to listen for the horn sounding the all clear, every half hour. Today, the türmer is a ceremonial role, but the horn still sounds, letting Muenster residents know that they sleep in peace.
St. Lambert’s Church is open daily for visitors, except during services. Located just off the Domplatz, around the corner from Muenster Cathedral, it is easily accessible via public transportation or the city’s many bike paths. There are several metered parking spots nearby.
