St. Maria im Kapitol, Cologne, Germany

St. Maria im Kapitol is an 11th-century Romanesque church located in the Kapitol-Viertel in the old town of Cologne. It was dedicated to St. Mary and built between 1040 and 1065. It is one of twelve Romanesque churches built in Cologne during this period.

Measuring 100 m x 40 m and encompassing 4,000 square metres of internal space, St. Maria is the largest of the Romanesque churches in Cologne. Like many of the latter, it has an east end which is trefoil in shape, with three apses. It has a nave and aisles and three towers to the west. It is considered the most important work of German church architecture of the Salian dynasty.

The first Maria im Kapitol church is said to have been built by Plectrudis, wife of Pippin in the 8th century. The foundations of a Roman temple from the late 1st century AD, dedicated to the Capitoline Triad, and those of a church from the year 690 AD, can be visited in the church's crypt.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

April Croes (3 years ago)
This was a hidden spot in Cologne. Very quiet but beautiful. The signs inside said they only have 400 active members so donations from tourists are very helpful with church upkeep. Quite impressive from inside, though not as impressive from the outside.

Tim Croes (3 years ago)
Small but pretty church. Make sure to donate some money when going:).

Stef Leemen (4 years ago)
Beautiful rebuild romanesque church. Most interesting: 1000-year old carved Doors.

Michael Lee (5 years ago)
This was a good visit. This is a quiet place to enjoy the garden in the cloister. The building is well cared for. Please bear in mind that this is a practicing church, and there frequent services. Please just check the signs before going in. Easy access by tram and a short walk.

Shigella deShige (5 years ago)
Wonderful place with long history. Unfortunately it suffered during WWII, but it was rebuilt. Church is located outside strict city centre, but I believe it is worth seeing. Church provides little leaflets describing the important monuments inside

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

St. Maria im Kapitol

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle