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Grabmal im Paderborner Dom

Paderborn Cathedral

Dietrich von Fürstenberg was elected prince-bishop of Paderborn in 1585.
His main aim was to re-Catholicise Paderborn. In 1604 he took violent action against the city in the 'Battle of Paderborn' and had the Protestant mayor Liborius Wichard executed. In 1614 Dietrich endowed the university, which was intended to discourage subjects from attending university in Protestant principalities.

When Dietrich von Fürstenberg died in 1618, he was buried in Paderborn Cathedral. Two years before his death he had commissioned cathedral sculptor, Heinrich Gröninger, to create a monumental tomb in the west transept, which was completed in 1622. A Latin inscription on the finished work reads 'Death is certain, the day uncertain, nor is the sorrow of thine certain, set thyself, if thou be wise, thyself thy sepulchral monument.' The largest episcopal monument in Westphalia was considered by Dietrich's contemporaries to be worthy of a pope.

At the centre of the composition, which is rich in figures, is the vision of the prophet Ezekiel with the resurrection of the dead and the raising of Lazarus. Sacred and allegorical figures refer to the diocese and Dietrich's work. The prince-bishop appears kneeling in his episcopal robes. Behind him, in relief, are his three most important building projects: Neuhaus Castle, the Academia Theodoriana and Wewelsburg Castle. In 1924 the tomb was moved to the west wall of the north aisle.

"Death is certain, the day uncertain, nor is the sorrow of thine certain, set thyself, if thou be wise, thyself thy sepulchral monument."

Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg

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Paderborn Cathedral, tomb of Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg
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Dietrich von Fürstenberg

Tomb in Paderborn Cathedral

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Grabmal im Paderborner Dom

Paderborn Cathedral

Experience Paderborn Cathedral right here!

Get involved and bring history to life. Interesting hands-on activities await you!
Take a look at what Paderborn Cathedral has to offer at your leisure, come by, and immerse yourself in the Weser Renaissance period! Have fun!

Experience Paderborn Cathedral in a playful way - special for children!

Where does the German word "Dom" come from? In this story by Mathilda the interactive mouse, you'll find the answer and there's another little puzzle waiting for you. Download it here.

Experience Paderborn Cathedral on a day tour!

Would you like to visit Paderborn Cathedral on a one-day tour? Then book our "Mighty and Magnificent - VIPs of the Weser Renaissance" travel package, and discover even more buildings from the Weser Renaissance, such as Paderborn Town Hall, Neuhaus Castle and Höxter Town Hall.
For more information, please call 05261/94500.