Bonn Minster

Bonn, Germany

The Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster) is one of Germany's oldest churches, having been built between the 11th and 13th centuries. At one point the church served as the cathedral for the Archbishopric of Cologne.

Castra Bonnensia was a fortress on the site of current Bonn built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. It survived the breakup of the Roman Empire as a civilian settlement, and in the 9th century it became the Frankish town of Bonnburg.

Around 235 AD, two Christian Roman soldiers stationed in Castra Bonnensia, Cassius and Florentius, were martyred for their faith. Tradition has it that a small memorial shrine was built over their graves in the 4th century by St. Helen, mother of Constantine. There is no surviving evidence of this first structure, but archaeological excavations have shown that the basilica stands on the site of a Roman temple and necropolis.

The original memorial hall was expanded into a larger church in the 6th and 7th centuries, and many people were buried near the martyrs inside and outside the building. Further extensions were carried out in the 8th century.

Around 1050 the church was demolished and construction began on the present Romanesque building, which dates from the 11th to 13th centuries. By the end of this period Bonn had grown in importance, becoming the capital of the Electorate and Archbishopric of Cologne, which was then a sovereign state. The new basilica appeared in the city's coat of arms. In 1643, Cassius and Florentius were officially declared the patron saints of the city of Bonn.

The basilica suffered significant damage in 1583-89, 1689, and in World War II, but each time it was fully restored. In 1956, the Bonner Münster was granted the status of Papal Minor Basilica.

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Address

Gangolfstraße 14, Bonn, Germany
See all sites in Bonn

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mustafa Karayağlı (11 months ago)
After very long reconstruction, at last the doors are opened. The inner garden is worth to see, entrance is the side of Tuscolo pizza.
Mark Hanna (14 months ago)
Arrived too late to sit and take in the cloister, but the spectacular crypt made up for it; an extremely well-designed, contemporary take with sculptures throughout. Quite special. It's a dark place, but that's a given. Not sure how others are finding reason to dock stars off.
Pavel D. (2 years ago)
Huge church visible from many parts of the city still under reconstruction (the front of church and the main tower) in July 2022, however it was possible to visit the inside. The newly reconstructed interior is church typical, nothing extraordinary and as I would say there are many other prettier churches around Germany. The nave is simple, almost minimalistically decorated, painted in white and dominated by large organs. It was a bit darker inside than in other churches I have visited. The walls and ceiling at the altar were very colorful and playful, and the floor had quite a nice and unique mosaic floor. I appreciated the depiction of the Coat of arms of Germany in one of the transepts. Unfortunately no information was provided at the entrance, no guide nor any paper brochure to learn more, however a guided tour can be booked. Unfortunately I was unable to visit the cloister and crypt as the opening hours vary to the churches opening hours. Visited in July 2022.
david antoun (2 years ago)
A very beautiful Gem in The NRW region after Köln cathedral.very old a lot of great architecture,statues and paintings decorating the church. there's also mosaic on the floor and a golden Shrine for Jesus christ at the end of the church. under this shrine there's a little church for the holy mary and a tomb for saints. when you finish your tour in the church, there's a door that leads to a beautiful garden in the center of the Münster with a fountain and a memorial. a must visit.
P B (2 years ago)
Would recommend this place. Pretty church. Very nice to be able to walk and explore almost everything and every place. See pictures aswell. Obviously there are nicer churches around the world, but this one is still very much worth a visit when in Bonn.
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