Ulm in 1349: In order to honor God, the citizens of the trading metropolis decide to build a sky-high cathedral. The greedy bell caster Conrad does everything he can to profit from the planned construction project, resorting to intrigue and even murder to secure a place on the city council. Without scruples, he forces his daughter Anabel into the bed of the abbot of the Barefoot Abbey, from whom he hopes to gain advantages for achieving his goals. However, Anabel loves Bertram, her father's assistant. Together, they decide to flee from Ulm. Just then, the plague strikes the city...