Apel handrail in the Naumburg Cathedral, Saint Francis

Heinrich Apel also designed the banister, which leads up to the east choir. He created it in 1972/73. It shows “Saint Francis and the animals”.
At the top, you see a monk. It is Francis of Assisi. He is one of the most famous saints. The mendicant order named after him established the poverty movement in the church. Legend has it that the saint met a large number of different birds in a field near the Umbrian town of Bevagna. Fascinated by their trusting nature, he stepped into the middle of the flock of birds and began to preach. So he stands here with his hands raised and preaches to the birds.
Why don't you go on a search for details? Above you will find a small hut: perhaps the hermit's resting place? You can also discover a pegged goat and the owl of Athena, the she-wolf with the Roman twins Romulus and Remus as well as some ancient temple remains.

Does Francis return here to antiquity, to the roots of Christianity? Or does he perhaps turn his back on everything secular? We do not know. But we see that he is looking for a way. Have you ever followed his footsteps?