Niklaskatejral
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The Niklaskatejral (pronounced /ˈnik.ləzˌka.tə.ʑal/, English: St. Nicholas's Cathedral) is a medieval church in the city of Vlud, and is the tallest in Vyvland. It is the cathedral of the Lutheran Diocese of Vlud, which covers the city of Vlud and its surrounding area. The cathedral is located to the north of Goydmurt, Vlud's main shopping street. Standing at 139 metres above street level, the cathedral is currently the fifth-tallest building in the city and the eighth-tallest in Vyvland, while also being the tallest building in Esquarium until the construction of Alburgh Cathedral in Geadland. Originally intended to be a Lutheran Catholic church, upon its completion the cathedral was put under the control of the Lutheran Church of Vyvland, although both denominations share use of the cathedral today.
History
The cathedral's original nave and tower were constructed around 1150 AD to function as the then small town of Vlud's parish church. However, after colonisation by new migrants from the fourteenth century, Vlud became the capital and thus one of the most important cities in Vyvland, and it was decided by the High Duke of Vlud that a church befitting to this status should be constructed. In 1512, the church began to be heavily renovated, with a new nave, roof and bell tower constructed. Although these constructions were not complete by 1582, it was decided in that year that a spire should be constructed atop the west facade. Upon its completion in 1692, the cathedral had become Vyvland's tallest building, and it remained that way until the tower of the Lykejerj in Lyksdal surpassed its height by 15 metres in 1904.
The cathedral was shelled in 1934 during the Vyvlander Civil War, and required extensive repairs to the eastern end. However, the repairs were carried out in a slightly different and more economical way than the previous eastern end, and as such it is possible to see the discrepancy between the architectural styles of the western and eastern ends due to this.
Use
The Niklaskatejral is still used as a functioning church today, with Lutheran services taking place daily in addition to weekly Lutheran Catholic masses. It is also a heavily-visited tourist attraction, receiving 1.2 million visitors each year. Many visitors climb the cathedral's spire, which offers a view over the city of Vlud.