Speyer, historically known in English as Spires, is a city in the western part of the Federal Republic of Germany with approximately 50,000 inhabitants. Located on the left bank of the river Rhine, Speyer lies 13 miles south-west of Heidelberg. Founded by the ancient Romans as a fortified town on the northeast frontiers of their Roman Empire, it is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Speyer Cathedral, a number of other churches, and the Altpörtel (“old gate”) dominate the Speyer landscape. In the cathedral, beneath the high altar, are the tombs of eight Holy Roman Emperors and German Kings. The landmark that has loomed large and powerful for 1000 years ranks as the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe.

The city is famous for the 1529 Protestation at Speyer. One of the cities which formed the cultural center of Jewish life in Europe during the Medieval/Middle Ages, Speyer and its Jewish courtyard was added as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2021.

For complete disclosure, I did not participate in today’s shore excursion due to a head cold that has been ongoing for several days. Kay made the photos.