Timetable of the Cathedral, with some illustrating Photographs



Please click on the pictures to see larger versions!

 

Around 1065	Christianization of Polabia (Slavic country near the Elbe river). Founding of the Benedictine monastery of St. Georgsberg.
1062	Aristo named first bishop of the newly founded episcopate of Ratzeburg by the Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen.
July 15, 1066	Great revolt of the Wends. Ansverus, abbot of the monastery of St. Georgsberg, and eighteen monks stoned to death.
1093	Battle of Schmilau. Victory over the Wends. Christianization slowly resumed.
1154	Refounding of the episcopate of Ratzeburg by Henry the Lion.
Aug., 11th, 1154	Laying of the corner stone of the cathedral. First bishop: Evermod (1154-1178).
After 1160	Beginning of construction.
Around 1220	Construction of the Southern vestibule. Cathedral completed.
1251ff.	Construction of the cloister and of  the chapter house (Praemonstratensian canons).
1380	Addition of the Lauenburg Chapel.
1504	Abdiction of the monastery. Canons discontinue wearing the garb of the Praemonstratensians.
1554	Conversion to Protestantism by Bishop Christoph von Schulenburg.
1566	Georg Usler, first Protestant Minister of the cathedral.
1648	Secularization of the episcopal office. Ratzeburg joined to Mecklenburg as principality.
1693	Cathedral damaged in Danish siege of Ratzeburg (see canonballs, e.g. in entrance wall).
1876-1881	Restoration of the cathedral (Gothic chapel removed).
1893	Lightening causing fire in the cathedral.
1953-1966	Thorough restoration of the cathedral. Recovery of its original state.
2001	New church bells.