Meißen

We know nothing about the Ottonian cathedral, which has certainly existed since the 10th century and was dedicated to the evangelists John and Donatus, unless the 1909 excavated three-aisled crypt to the east of today's rood screen originates from such an early cathedral building. This was probably replaced in the first third of the 12th century under Bishop Godebold (1122-1240) by a three-aisled, cruciform basilica with west towers and two towers above the eastern ends of the side aisles. The only surviving furnishings from the Romanesque cathedral are two wooden stands of choir lecterns, each with four legs - used today as a baptismal font and lectern. They are modeled on human legs, but their feet are horse hooves.