Chapel of St. Bartholomäus

The Chapel of St. Bartholomäus stands in the cathedral quarter and is one of the most historically significant small churches in Germany. Built in 1017, it is the oldest hall church north of the Alps — a single vaulted space without aisles, which was unusual at the time and reflects the Byzantine influences brought by the craftsmen who built it.

The interior is simple and severe, with no decorative frippery: just columns, arches, and the faint light filtering through narrow windows. The effect is unexpectedly moving. The chapel is part of the cathedral complex and is usually accessible during cathedral visiting hours. It takes perhaps fifteen minutes to look around properly.

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A story
The Chapel of St. Bartholomäus was built in 1017 by craftsmen brought to Paderborn by Bishop Meinwerk — specifically, Byzantine craftsmen from Italy, which is why this German Romanesque chapel has unexpectedly Greek architectural elements. It is the oldest hall church north of the Alps, predating the Gothic style that would later define northern European church architecture.