Basilica of the Holy Apostles, Cologne, Germany

The Basilica of the Holy Apostles (Basilika St. Aposteln) is one of the twelve Romanesque churches built in Cologne in that period. Its glory is the domed clover leaf chancel, which was built around 1200. The story of how today’s building originated begins in the 11th century.

At that time the church was on the road in the direction of Aachen, directly ahead of the roman city walls at the western main gate.

In the 13th century the church was significantly enlarged. In addition to the clover leaf chancel there was also the octagonal dome above the crossing, which was added at this time, which gives St. Aposteln its monumental, almost Byzantine appearance. The old structures were retained and, in spite of the building modifications, were copied and integrated into the new construction project.

The sequential and complementary building phases can be well identified in the St. Aposteln church. An extraordinary and controversial combination of historical and modern art is shown with a glance into the choral arches: the modern paintings by Herrmann Gottfried from the years 1988 until 1994 always provoke a host of diverse opinions.

References:

Cologne Tourism

User Reviews

Oliwia R (15 months ago)
Beautiful romanesque church. There are works being done which take away from the experience but overall a very beautiful and special. When we went there wasn't anyone else (we went at noon) which was nice also

Andrea Bowes (20 months ago)
We came upon St Aposteln unexpectedly on our way somewhere else and wow! It's beautiful. Unfortunately they were just closed (between 1 and 3) so we couldn't go inside but we'll be sure to come back.

M K (3 years ago)
Very aesthetic church. Didn’t get the chance to go inside, but we enjoyed looking at it from the outside.

Michael Stemmeler (4 years ago)
Beautiful romanesque-style basilica. Though the original church, dating as far back as the middle ages, was bombed to bits during WW II, it has been rebuilt in the original style and is one of the many architecturally and historically important romanesque churches in Cologne. Every Sunday morning St. Aposteln offers a Latin High Mass for those interested in more traditional Roman Catholic services.

David Smith (4 years ago)
One of Cologne's 12 Romanesque churches, dating back to the 11th century. Neumarkt U-bahn station.

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Basilica of the Holy Apostles

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