Werner Chapel Ruins

Bacharach, Germany

Werner Chapel was built in 1426 and it was dedicated to St. Werner of Oberwesel, a 16-year-old boy whose unexplained death was blamed on Jews, leading to revenge killings of Jews across Europe in 1287. Since the Reformation the chapel was a famous pilgrimage destination. It was left to decay in the 17th century and partially demolished in 1759 and 1787. Today the impressive ruins are the landmark of Bacharach town.

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Details

Founded: 1426
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Danielle Cummings (2 years ago)
Came here today on a hot August Thursday afternoon with my three kids ages 6, 4, and 2. We parked at the Pakplatz Rheinuter Bacharach (paid though low cost parking with many spots) right near the Marktstrasse / Markturm entrance into the downtown area. We used Google maps to get to the chapel, though once we got to the St Peter Kirch there were signs pointing down the correct path and up the stairs to the chapel, after which point you couldn't miss it. I think it took us less than 10 minutes walking at my 4yo's slow pace to get from the lot to the chapel. Once there, we were able to walk around the front exterior of the chapel, but were not able to get inside, though it was easy to see through the fence/gate. The views from the terrace in front of the chapel area amazing. I toyed with the idea of going on up to the castle / youth hostel 5 minutes further up the path but it was too hot and late in the day for my young kids. We ended up going down the stairs and getting ice cream at Eiscafe, then going to the Spielplatz am Rhein near the parking lot (a playground with a great view!). The chapel itself is absolutely stunning. It seemed set up for a concert, which I imagine would be amazing to see, especially at sunset or during the night hours. I absolutely recommend seeing this if you're in the area. I'd love if we had been allowed to walk through the interior, but the exterior itself was enough to make the 1hr long drive worth it for me. There were very few people there during the 15 minutes we were there. The path was largely shaded once we left the parking lot, at least in the late afternoon. We passed toilet facilites on the way from the parking lot to the Marktum; they were below ground via stairs. Edited a few weeks later to add photos from a second visit during evening hours! (Gate was still open even though Google Maps said it was closed)
Michael Chan (2 years ago)
This is an important landmark of Bacharach dated back to 1289 and was destroyed in the War of the Grand Alliance in 1689. So what is left now is a ruined a High Goethic chapel that appears delicate and filigree. Though the ruins are impressive to look at, it carries a lot of historical significance.
Marcos Gallego Llorente (2 years ago)
Extremely beautiful place! Amazing views, haunted feelings. Fully recommended.
GM G (2 years ago)
A elegant window into the art of the past. One of my favourite ruins in Germany. Inspired Goethe, JMWTurner, Victor Hugo and others.
Majid RezaeiPour (4 years ago)
It was interesting with a nice view of Rine River
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