Located in the Palatinate (Rhineland-Pflaz) south of Ludwigshafen, Spire (“Speyer” in German) is considered, with its 50,000 inhabitants, one of the most outstanding locations in the Rhine-Nekar Triangle; it is an example to be followed, because of its current connections, as well as the traditionalist ones to its past.
The name “Spire” has been evoked since the Celtic period. Populated by the German tribe known as “the Nemetes,” the town then went by the name of “Civitas Nemetum.” While under Roman control, Spire became an important military camp along the borders of the Rhine, and later a flourishing Roman colony.
Destroyed by the Alamans and then by the Huns around the middle of the 5th century, Spire was subjected to Frankish control after the Battle of Tolbiac in 496.
A first cathedral would have been built between 622 and 638, on the King of the Merovigians, Dagobert’s orders. The new foundation of the town dates back to this period when a royal palace was built in which Charlemagne (768-814) stayed several times.
Spire enjoyed its greatest prosperity when it became the capital city of the Salian emperors who, from 1024 to 1125, reigned over the German Empire. The first stone of the Cathedral is set down in 1029, and the edifice is dedicated in 1061. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux preaches the beginning of the Second Crusade there on Christmas Day, 1146, Spire becomes a free imperial city in 1294.
From 838 to 1570, 50 diets are held in the city; there was the well-known 1529 diet, which is that of solemn protest on the part of princes who were in favor of the Lutheran doctrine that lead to believers in evangelical confession being called “Protestants.”
Over the centuries, the town suffered through numerous wars. Victor Hugo wrote: “All the storms created by Man that both devastated and made Europe fertile have gone through Spire.” During the 30 Years’ War (1618-1648), the country is devastated. During 1689, at the time of the War of Succession, the town is burned down and totally destroyed by French troops: more than eight years would be needed to restore it.
In 1801, the Lunéville Peace Treaty included the handing over of the west bank of the Rhine to France: Spire becomes a sub-prefecture of the French Department of Mont-Tonnerre and remains so until 1814. It then is subjected to Austrian and Russian rule before it is re-incorporated, along with the entire Palatinate, into Bavaria (1815).
Starting in 1816, Spire, for 140 years, is the seat of the Bavarian provincial government on the left bank of the Rhine. The town owes much to this period of its history: the population becomes more developed, and economic and commercial expansion allows for the town’s embellishment.
From 1918 to 1930, the town is occupied by the French; and then once again, from March 1945 until 1955.
Today’s City of Spire shows the marks of the 18th century and its baroque constructions, with the exception of the medieval heritage reflected by its Cathedral (one of the biggest in Germany). Since 1981, it has been on the World Heritage List.
In the shadows of the Cathedral some winding alleyways branch out in various directions. In the old Hasenphühl quarter, visitors can walk along the shores of the Speyerbach River. During the summer, numerous coffee terraces under palm trees and oleanders attract passers-by along the Maximilianstrasse. The more than 200 wine cellars, restaurants, and cafés bear witness to the hospitality found in the Palatinate.
Speyer today has several museums that visitors can go to:
City of Spire's Official website
http://www.speyer.de/
Mairie de Chartres
Place des Halles
28000 Chartres
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