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The Ulm Münster is the tallest church world wide. It is an example of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Germany – taking first place before Cologne Cathedral and the tallest church in the world. It has dominated the city and the region for hundreds of years and its name is, without doubt, a synonym for the city itself, at home and abroad. It has its spire, above all, to thank for this. With its 161 metres, it is the highest spire in the world. Those who climb its 768 steps of well worn stone are rewarded with a superb panoramic view of Baden-Württemberg's Ulm and Bavaria's Neu-Ulm and, in the right weather conditions, a vista of the Alpine range from Säntis to the Zugspitze.
This architectural work of art houses equally famous examples of the plastic and graphic arts. The 15th century choir stalls by Jörg Syrlin the Elder enjoy world-wide acclaim, in particular the carved busts which have gone down as masterpieces in the history of art. Among the other works of distinction in the Münster are Hans Multscher's Man of Sorrows on the main portal and the pulpit canopy by Jörg Syrlin the Younger, also the altar and window in the chancel. Work on the Ulm Citizen's Church actually began in 1377, financed by the city's inhabitants. After a long period when no further building went on – in the meantime the church had become protestant during the reformation – the spire was added in 1890. The building was then finally completed.
See also: List of tallest church towers