Ulm Minster (German: Ulmer Münster) is a Gothic church located in Ulm, State of Baden-Württemberg (Germany). It was originally built as a Catholic church but became a Lutheran church in the 16th century. It is the tallest church in the world. The church was the fifth-tallest structure in the world when the towers were completed in 1890, with a steeple measuring 161.53 metres (530.0 ft). Though it is sometimes referred to as Ulm Cathedral because of its great size, the church is not a cathedral as it has never been the episcopal see of a bishop. Though the towers and all decorative elements are of stone masonry, attracting the attention of visitors, most of the walls, including the façades of the nave and choir, actually consist of visible brick. Therefore, the building is sometimes referred to as a brick church. As such, it lays claim to the rank of second- to fourth-largest, after San Petronio Basilica in Bologna and together with Frauenkirche in Munich and St. Mary's Church in Gdańsk. The tower however was mainly built from sandstone. Ulm Minster was begun in the Gothic architecture of the Late Middle Ages but the building was not completed until the late 19th century after a hiatus of centuries. When work ceased in the 16th century all of the church except the towers and some outer decorations were complete, unlike at Cologne Cathedral, where less than half of the work had been done before construction halted in the 15th century. Visitors can climb the 768 steps that lead to the top of the minster's spire. At 143 m (469 ft) it gives a panoramic view of Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and Neu-Ulm in Bavaria and, in clear weather, a vista of the Alps from Säntis to the Zugspitze. The final stairwell to the top (known as the third Gallery) is a tall, spiralling staircase that has barely enough room for one person.

The porch architecture of Ulm Minster showcases 14th to 15th-century Gothic style, featuring a tympanum with Genesis creation stories and a band of sculptures on the porch wall, although the supporting column statues are 19th-century restorations. The main entrance is a grand west porch and portal, a defining feature of the Minster's exterior. Architectural Elements West Porch: The Minster's entrance is a prominent west porch, a significant feature of its Gothic exterior. Tympanum: Above the portal is the tympanum, which contains relief sculptures depicting the Genesis creation stories. Sculpture: A band of sculptures on the porch wall also dates from the late 14th to early 15th centuries. Restored Statues: The column statues adorning the porch are later additions, serving as 19th-century restorations. Historical Context Construction: The porch and its sculptures were part of the original construction period of the Minster, from the late 14th to early 15th century. Gothic Style: The overall style is pure Gothic, evident in the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery characteristic of the era. Later Works: While the core of the porch is medieval, some elements like the column statues were updated or replaced in later centuries, reflecting the building's long and evolving history.