Soest - Patrokli Cathedral

Soest was one of the major cities in Westphalia during the 11th./12th century, having a population of around 10.000. Founded (like Erwitte and Paderborn to the east) on the ancient "Hellweg" (=Saltway), Soest played a major role within the Hanseatic League. Once it was even the capital of Westphalia - and (1531) a centre of Protestant Reformation in the area.

The town centre has more than 600 listed buildings and a couple of old churches. The "Patrokli Dom" was the church of the canonical foundation, which existed from the 10th century until its abolition in 1812. Since 1823 the church has been the parish church of the St. Patrokli parish.

The triumphal cross hangs down over the altar, which contains the relics of Saint Patroclus, which were transferred from Troyes to Soest in 964 by Bruno I, Archbishop of Cologne.

The cross is 2.12 m high and dates from around 1400. The images on the square ends of the cross beams on the front represent evangelists. - PiP.