Paderborn - Bartholomew Chapel

Just about 10 meters north of the cathedral, built 1017...This chapel has a long story.

1000 the cathedral burnt down. One of the many reasons for Heinrich II to appoint Meinwerk bishop was probably, that Meinwerk originated from a wealthy family. He had the funds to start the rebuilding - and he did that immidatly with a new layout. He was bishop and close political supporter of Heinrich II. Three times he accompanied Heinrich II to Italy. In 1014 he even went with him to southern Italy, where he met a couple of very talented craftsmen. He hired them right away, and as soon, as they had reached Paderborn, they started to built this chapel.

The "Vita Meinwerci", written 1165, states about the building "per graecos operarios construxit". They were probably from Byzanz, as they showed a total new style. The outside my look pretty common, but see the inside....