The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, also known as the Evangelical Stadtpfarrkirche in Hermannstadt (Sibiu), and Biserica Evanghelică din Sibiu, stands as a renowned example of Gothic architecture in Sibiu, Transylvania, central Romania. Its distinctive towering steeple, rising to a height of 73.34 meters, serves as a prominent city landmark. Atop this steeple, four turrets were positioned as a symbol to signify the town's authority to impose capital punishment. The cathedral is affiliated with the Lutheran German-speaking Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania. Originally constructed during the 14th century on the site of a 12th-century Romanesque church, the Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral originally served as the Catholic parish church of St. Mary. However, during the mid-16th century, it transitioned into a Lutheran parish following the conversion of the Transylvanian Saxons to Protestantism under Johannes Honter. Over the course of three centuries, the cathedral became a burial ground for notable figures from Sibiu, including mayors and nobles. While this practice was discontinued in 1796, an exception was made in 1803 for Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, who was interred in the crypt. Electric lighting and heating were installed in the cathedral in 1910, and a comprehensive renovation was carried out in 2021. Within the Lutheran Cathedral, two substantial organs are housed. The original organ, reportedly dating back to 1350, was eventually replaced by the Sauer Organ, constructed from 1914 to 1915. Boasting 78 registers, the Sauer Organ stands as Transylvania's largest instrument. Positioned on the south balcony is the Hahn Organ, crafted by Transylvanian organ builder Johannes Hahn in 1748. Initially crafted for the parish church in Boarta, the organ later found a home at the Samuel von Brukenthal National College before being relocated to the Cathedral in 1948. Subsequent restorations were undertaken in 1988 and 2008. The cathedral's nave features notable epitaphs, including that of Samuel von Brukenthal. Another significant artistic feature is the Rosenau Fresco, a sizable fresco produced in 1445, portraying scenes from the life, passion, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Crafted by artist Johannes von Rosenau, this artwork takes its name from its creator. Additionally, the cathedral boasts a bronze baptismal font, reportedly fashioned from the melted remains of an Ottoman cannon.

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Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral - Wikipedia

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Inserted: 26-08-2023 18:08:35