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Small Delight Full of Attractive Places
The cathedral was saved from devastation. Nowadays, its famous three aisle- plant built at the same height is one of the major examples of the late gothic that flourished in the South-Eastern part of Germany. The construction of the choir started over the second half of the 13th century, while the aisle was built in the 14th century.
The Beauty Fountain, located in front of the church, was first mentioned in 1571. The city coat-of-arms was added late in the 18th century, and includes the imperial eagle as symbol of the empire and the lion as symbol of sovereignty.
In Napoleon times, Kaiserslautern was the seat of a sub-prefecture. After the Napoleonic rule, the palatinate and the city became a part of Baviera. In 1849 Revolution broke out and an interim Government that declared itself independent of the Baviera Palatinate occupied the Fruchthalle building.
The Fruchthalle, located downtown, is nowadays the center of the most interesting festivals and concerts in Kaiserslautern, and in turn it is the most important civil building of the Palatinate. It was built between 1843 and 1846 according to a design laid out by Architect August von Voit who followed the Renaissance style of Florentine palaces.
Modern architecture can also be seen in Kaiserslautern. An example is the fountain located in the Mainz Door, created in 1987 by Gernot Rumpf. It has an 11 yard- diameter and represents the history of the city. In the middle of the artwork the figure of Emperor Barbarossa and of Rudolf von Habsburg are highlighted, and placed with their backs turned. |
