The Last Judgment Tympanum
- Robert Polli
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The awe-inspiring Last Judgment Tympanum isn't just stone; it's a centuries-old sermon carved in exquisite detail.
The Bern Minster isn't just Switzerland's grandest cathedral; it's a storytelling marvel, with every arch and window whispering tales of faith. But it's the Last Judgment Tympanum above the main entrance that truly grabs you, demanding your attention before you even step inside. This isn't just some old sculpture; it’s a powerful, visual sermon, perfectly preserved from the late 15th century, that still resonates today.
Crafted around 1490 by the masterful sculptor Erhart Küng and his team, this tympanum brings to life the biblical scene of Christ’s return to judge humanity. It was a common theme for church doorways back then, designed to both inspire devotion and instill a healthy dose of fear in the hearts of the faithful as they entered God's house.
"The Last Judgment Tympanum isn't just some old sculpture; it’s a powerful, visual sermon, perfectly preserved from the late 15th century."
