Great West Door of Bern Cathedral Switzerland

The supreme attraction of Bern Cathedral is the central door at the main entrance. The Gothic sculptures over the main portal depict the Last Judgement. It is so well detailed and shows the separation of good and the wicked.

main portal berns cathedral depict the Last Judgement

Central door berns cathedral

At the center on topmost arch over the door is Christ. On either side is Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. They are succeeded by 12 apostles. Second arch has figures of 8 prophets carrying plaques. The innermost arch has figures of 5 angels carrying objects representing instruments used for Christ’s torture.

the great west door of Bern Cathedral

Great west door of Bern Munster

Bern cathedral Door in Switzerland

to the right are the wicked depicted naked and in the left are the righteous clothed in white. In the center stands Micheal the Archangel with a raised sword. The angel is shown pulling the beard of a wicked character and the emotions so well expressed through these sculptures. There are 170 small figures, all original. A wire mesh provided, I guess it is to prevent pigeons settling on them. So much to see!

Micheal the Archangel with a raised sword-Berns Cathedral door

In the left the blessed are being led to the golden gates of heaven to be crowned by an angel. Martyrs and figures from the Old Testament ranged in heaven above them.

righteous clothed in white

to your left are the righteous clothed in white

Now, the credits to the sculptor of this Bern Cathedral door in Switzerland: This famous panel was made by the sculptor, Erhard Küng from Stadtlohn, Germany. These were carved between the years 1460 to 1501.

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