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Trombones and trumpets

In 1691 a severe fire ravaged the city and destroyed almost the entire Gothic interior of the Peterskirche (Church of St. Peter) including more than 30 carved altarpieces, the chimes, both organs, precious liturgical vestments, altar funishings and books. Through the circular opening in the ceiling of the church the fire had travelled from the roof truss into the main space of the building. The wrought-iron trellis of the baptistery, a masterpiece of ornamental metalworkmanship from Görlitz that dates back to late Renaissance, was spared by the flames. Besides angels blowing their trumpets guardians with helical helmets ward off evil spirits.