The cages that hang on the steeple of St. Lambert’s Church in Münster, Germany, are a grim reminder of a dark period in the city’s history.

In the 16th century, Münster was ruled by the elected prince-bishop Franz von Waldeck, who tolerated any kind of faith as long as it was Christian.

Against this backdrop, a Dutchman named Johan Beukelszoon arrived in Münster, as he had heard that the city was friendly to Anabaptists. Beukelszoon and his followers conducted sermons denouncing Catholic doctrines and promoting Anabaptism. Before long, they had mobilized a large group of religious zealots who turned the tolerant city into something very different. Prince-bishop Franz von Waldeck and the city council were kicked out of office, and a new mayor was put in place.

Non-believers were driven out of their homes and their properties seized. They were replaced by Anabaptists who flowed in from surrounding villages in large numbers. Cathedrals and monasteries became sites for orgies of iconoclasm as rebaptism became compulsory. Money was outlawed and owning property was banned. Books were burned.

After more than a year of lawlessness, Franz von Waldeck succeeded in taking back the city from the hands of rebels. In January 1536, John of Leiden, Bernhard Knipperdolling (the new mayor) and one more prominent follower, Bernhard Krechting, were tortured and executed in the marketplace of Münster. Their bodies were put in cages about the size of coffins, and hung from the steeple of St. Lambert’s Church, where they remained for fifty years.

Bratwurst and seasonal beer at the Christmas market in Munster are a real treat.