Fancy a view that marries faith and scenery? Here at Drei Kreuze, you get both. This isn’t just a spot; it is a story etched in stone and spirit.
Drei Kreuze translates to Three Crosses. It marks a place of reflection high above Cochem. From here, the Mosel valley unfolds beneath you. The Reichsburg Cochem stands proudly on the opposite hill.
The story of this chapel and its crosses starts in 1652. Karl Casper von der Leyen, the electoral prince of Trier, was in power. A chapel was first mentioned in documents from that time. It became a place for locals to worship.
By the 19th century, the chapel was falling apart. It was in such bad shape that the community decided to build a new one. The people of Cochem funded the entire project. They did it through donations. Construction finished in 1850.
Look around at the three crosses. The central cross features Jesus Christ. To each side are two crosses dedicated to Saint Anthony. These side crosses do not have any figures on them now. However, they complete the scene. They give the site its name.
The climb to Drei Kreuze is steep. But it is worth the effort. The view is truly rewarding. Imagine locals making this trek centuries ago. They carried not just their hopes but also stones and timber.
The chapel’s construction was a community effort. One notable donation was ten talers. To raise more money, they even held a raffle. The prize was a pair of slippers. A Hauptmann Sabel won those slippers. The raffle raised another ten talers.
A local family named Bauer donated land. This allowed the builder, Joseph Dalmar, to move the chapel’s position slightly. Other locals donated roofing tiles and slate.
The original altar piece is no longer here. It was a 16th-century piece. It depicted a mercy seat. Today, you can find it in the Old Choir of St. Martin’s Church.
Stand here for a moment. Breathe in the air. Feel the history. Think about the faith that built this place. Drei Kreuze is more than just a view. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Cochem. It shows the power of community and faith. It is a place where heaven and earth seem to meet.