Rood screen
Halberstadt, c. 1510
Sandstone and limestone
The richly decorated, jube-like rood screen, open on three sides, creates a separate little architectural element inside the cathedral. Once again, this late Gothic gem has a detailed set of images to show, with numerous sculptures of saints under baldachins. These include the cathedral's two patrons – St. Stephen and St. Sixtus – on the central pillars.
The rood screen acts to separate the part of the church used by the parishioners from the chancel once reserved for the canons. At the back of the screen, two portals lead to the chancel and a narrow spiral staircase to the rood loft. This was used for readings or by the choristers, and possibly also to present the relics.