Saint Peter Cathedral, also known as the Regensburger Dom, is the spiritual heart of the city. Now you might be wondering, why did a city the size of Regensburg build such a grand cathedral? This goes back to our story at the Old Corn Market. Construction began in the late thirteenth century, financed largely by the city’s incredible trade wealth. We will talk more about the trade at our later stop, but for now, keep in mind that while it was commissioned by Bishop Leo Thundorfer, it was the wealthy merchants who funded the construction. After a devastating fire destroyed much of the earlier Romanesque cathedral here, Bishop Leo initiated the construction of a new cathedral in the French High Gothic style. In fact, this is the only purely Gothic cathedral in Bavaria. But as the trade industry of Regensburg dwindled after the fourteenth century, construction slowed down. It took six hundred long years to complete the cathedral, with the construction of the twin spires during the reign of King Ludwig the First of Bavaria. So, historically speaking, the iconic twin spires are quite recent, but they give the cathedral a sense of powerful verticality. This bronze equestrian statue here is dedicated to King Ludwig. You will notice that he is holding a scepter, a symbolic object representing royal power and sovereignty, looking at the Cathedral as if he is admiring it. He was a patron of arts and a champion of Bavarian identity. As the Gothic Revival gripped Europe during the time, he strongly supported and financed the completion of the cathedral’s towers according to the original medieval Gothic plans. One interesting story about him is that he actually abdicated his throne before the completion of the Cathedral, during the revolutionary upheavals that swept across Europe. But the immediate trigger was far more personal than ideological. He became infatuated with an Irish-born dancer, Lola Montez, and she became the king’s mistress. He granted her noble titles and financial privileges. There was a public outrage against this relationship, and he abdicated his throne in favor of his son. But today, he is remembered more as a cultural patron than a failed ruler. If you're exploring Bavaria through a historical lens, Ludwig is a perfect example of how public memory can be kinder than contemporary politics. Before you step inside, go stand directly in front of the main entrance, quite far back, so you can see both massive spires and appreciate the entire facade in one view.