St. Remigius

St. Remigius Church in Königswinter, nestled in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a stunning testament to architectural elegance and historical significance. This beautiful church, built in 1779/80, stands proudly at the intersection of Hauptstraße and Drachenfelsstraße, captivating visitors with its serene yet imposing presence.

The History of St. Remigius Church

The origins of St. Remigius Church can be traced back to the 12th or 13th century when a medieval Romanesque church with a chancel tower stood on this site. However, it was in May 1779 that the old structure was demolished to make way for the new church we see today. The construction of the current church marked a transition from the late Baroque to the early Classical style, a blend that adds to its unique charm. The church was consecrated in August 1780, just a year after construction began.

The funding for the church's construction came from various sources. The nave was financed through the estate of the late governor of the Drachenfels Burgraviate, who passed away in 1754, while the costs of the church tower were covered by donations and loans from the local community. The architect behind this splendid structure was Johann Georg Leydel, whose influence is evident in the church's stylistic elements.

Architectural Splendor

The St. Remigius Church is a plastered rubble stone building made from latite sourced from the nearby Wolkenburg. It is a three-aisled hall church oriented from east to west. The church's main facade is divided by massive pilasters, and it boasts a hipped roof. The facade is adorned with a classical main portal topped with a triangular pediment, above which sits an oval window and a round-arched gable.

Each side of the nave features three large round-arched windows, separated by buttresses. The church is surrounded by trachyte pillars and wrought-iron fences, which set it apart from the street. Behind the church tower lies a small, beautifully designed churchyard with trachyte grave crosses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. At the center of this space stands the Sebastianus Cross, erected by the marksmen's brotherhood in 1695 and renewed in 1840. This cross was moved from the marketplace to its current location in 1938 after the old churchyard wall was removed.

The Organ

St. Remigius Church has a rich history of organs. The first organ, dating back to around 1800, was a side-playing instrument, believed to have originated from the Heisterbach Abbey. In the 1920s, a new organ was built by the Seifert company in Cologne, featuring a romantic intonation. This organ was replaced in 1972 by an organ from the Georg Stahlhuth company in Aachen, which served the church until 2022.

In preparation for the church's general renovation, the old organ was sold to a Catholic parish in Transylvania. A new organ, currently under construction by the Bonn organ workshop Klais, is set to be completed by 2025. This new organ will incorporate the historical case and be designed to reflect the baroque style of the church's original construction period.

The Bells

The church's bell tower houses three original bells, crafted in 1781 by the Mabilon bell foundry in Saarburg. In 1967, a fifth and largest bell was added to the collection, enhancing the church's melodious chimes.

Visiting St. Remigius Church

Visitors to St. Remigius Church are greeted by a sense of tranquility and history as they step through its doors. The church's interior, with its elegant design and historical artifacts, offers a glimpse into the past. The planned extensive renovation, which began in 2022, aims to preserve and enhance the church's beauty for future generations.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a peaceful place for reflection, St. Remigius Church in Königswinter is a must-visit destination. Its rich history, architectural splendor, and serene surroundings make it a true gem in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia.