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St. Maria im Kapitol & St. Maria Lyskirchen: Cologne's Romanesque Gems

Discover Cologne's Romanesque heritage at St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Maria Lyskirchen, architectural gems with rich histories, stunning art, and unique cultural significance.

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Explore two of Cologne's remarkable Romanesque churches, St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Maria Lyskirchen, each with its unique history and artistic treasures. St. Maria im Kapitol, the largest of Cologne's Romanesque churches, stands on the site of a Roman temple and boasts a trefoil design inspired by the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Marvel at its imposing architecture, medieval wooden doors, and significant religious artifacts. Nearby, discover St. Maria Lyskirchen, the smallest of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, celebrated for its well-preserved 13th-century frescoes and the revered 'Schiffermadonna' (Sailor's Madonna). These churches offer a glimpse into Cologne's rich medieval past and artistic heritage, making them essential stops for history and art enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Pfarrbüro St. Maria im Kapitol & St. Maria Lyskirchen

  • Marienpl. 19, Cologne, Innenstadt, 50676, DE

Local tips

  • Visit St. Maria im Kapitol on the third Sunday of the month at 12:30 PM for a free tour to learn about its history and architecture.
  • Explore the crypt of St. Maria im Kapitol to see the remnants of the Roman temple that once stood on the site.
  • Take time to admire the medieval frescoes in St. Maria Lyskirchen, which depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cologne's city center (e.g., near the Cologne Cathedral), take the tram line 5, 16 or 18 to 'Heumarkt' station. From there, it's a short walk of about 5-10 minutes to St. Maria im Kapitol, heading south along Hohe Strasse and then turning onto Kasinostrasse. A single ticket within Cologne (tariff zone 1b) costs approximately €3.00.

  • Walking

    From the Cologne Cathedral, walk south along Hohe Strasse for about 15 minutes. Turn left onto Kasinostrasse to reach St. Maria im Kapitol. The walk is straightforward and passes through the heart of Cologne's shopping district.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to St. Maria im Kapitol will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €10-€15. From there, St. Maria Lyskirchen is a 10 minute walk.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 'Marienplatz 19, 50676 Köln'. Parking near St. Maria im Kapitol is limited. Consider using public parking garages in the city center (e.g., Parkhaus am Dom, Parkhaus Heumarkt). Hourly parking rates range from €2.00-€4.00, with daily maximums between €15.00-€25.00. Be aware of Cologne's low emission zone; ensure your vehicle meets the requirements or obtain the necessary sticker.

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Discover more about Pfarrbüro St. Maria im Kapitol & St. Maria Lyskirchen

Cologne, a city steeped in history, boasts a remarkable collection of twelve Romanesque churches, each a testament to the city's rich medieval past. Among these architectural treasures, St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Maria Lyskirchen stand out as particularly significant and captivating destinations for visitors. **St. Maria im Kapitol: A Romanesque Masterpiece** St. Maria im Kapitol, the largest of Cologne's Romanesque churches, occupies a site with a history stretching back to Roman times. The church's name, 'im Kapitol,' alludes to the Roman temple dedicated to the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva) that once stood here. This temple, built in the 1st century AD, served as a focal point for the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. Today, remnants of the Roman temple can still be seen in the church's crypt, offering a tangible connection to Cologne's ancient past. In the early Middle Ages, the site transitioned from Roman temple to Christian sanctuary. Plectrude, the wife of Pippin of Herstal, had a proprietary church built on the ruins of the capitol before her death. Around 1040, construction of the current St. Maria im Kapitol began under Abbess Ida, granddaughter of Emperor Otto II and Empress Theophanu. Consecrated in 1065, the church is based on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem with its tri-conch design. St. Maria im Kapitol quickly became the main church after the Cologne Cathedral. The architecture of St. Maria im Kapitol is a marvel of Romanesque design. The church is renowned for its unique trefoil basilica design, which includes three apses forming a cloverleaf shape. Measuring 100 meters in length and 40 meters in width, it is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Cologne. The westwork, a monumental western entrance, showcases the grandeur typical of Romanesque architecture. Inside, the church boasts a nave and aisles, three towers to the west, and intricate details that reflect the artistic and religious sensibilities of the 11th century. One of the church's most prized possessions is the Romanesque wooden door, dating back to the 11th century. Adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Bible, this door is a remarkable example of medieval craftsmanship. Other notable artifacts include the fork cross from before 1312 and the Renaissance rood screen. Throughout its history, St. Maria im Kapitol has undergone several modifications and enhancements. During the Middle Ages, the church became a significant religious center, attracting pilgrims and worshippers. The church suffered extensive damage during World War II, with significant portions of its structure destroyed. The post-war period saw a dedicated effort to reconstruct and restore the church, preserving its historical and architectural essence. **St. Maria Lyskirchen: A Hidden Gem by the Rhine** Located in the southern part of Cologne's Altstadt (Old Town), St. Maria Lyskirchen is the smallest of the city's twelve Romanesque churches. Its proximity to the Rhine River has shaped its history and identity, making it a beloved place of worship for fishermen and dockworkers. The history of St. Maria Lyskirchen dates back to the early Christian period in Cologne. According to legend, the church was founded as early as the 4th century by Bishop Maternus. The first concrete record of a chapel here, however, appears in 948, described as a simple private church likely established by a nobleman named Lysolvus or Lisolfus. This private chapel, initially referred to as 'Lisolfikyrken', later evolved into the name 'Lyskirchen'. The present building dates from 1210 to 1220, with some later additions in the Gothic style. The upper parts of the west front were rebuilt in the 19th century. The church is in the form of a three-aisled basilica, with a chancel flanked by two towers, only one of which was constructed to its full height, and an eastern apse. The building received only minor damage during the wars. What distinguishes St. Maria in Lyskirchen from the other Romanesque churches is the well-preserved medieval frescoes from the 13th century and the reverence of the Schiffermadonna (Sailor's Madonna). Rediscovered in the 19th century, they are unique in Cologne and show stories from the Old and New Testaments. The church contains the 'Schiffermadonna' (Seaman's Madonna), a wooden statue of 1420. The frescoes, arranged in a narrative sequence that spans three bays of the central nave, are paired thematically, with scenes from the Old Testament on the northern wall and corresponding scenes from the New Testament on the southern wall. This arrangement underscores the medieval Christian belief in the prophetic foreshadowing of the New Testament by the Old Testament. St. Maria Lyskirchen's position near the Rhine made it vulnerable to frequent floods, and in 1784, a particularly devastating flood destroyed parts of its interior. Following the secularization of the St. Georg foundation in 1804, St. Maria in Lyskirchen was designated as a parish church, and several restorations were undertaken. In the late 19th century, extensive renovations aimed to unify the church's appearance in the Romanesque style, culminating in a redesign of the west façade and restoration of medieval frescoes from the 13th century. Together, St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Maria Lyskirchen offer a captivating journey through Cologne's religious and artistic heritage. From the grandeur of St. Maria im Kapitol's Romanesque architecture to the intimate beauty of St. Maria Lyskirchen's medieval frescoes, these churches provide a glimpse into the city's rich past and enduring cultural legacy.

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