High above the Rhine River stands St Hildegard. A modern marvel it is a testament to faith and family. This octagonal church in Bonn’s Rüngsdorf district wasn’t always here. It wasn’t built in medieval times like the saint it’s named after. Instead St Hildegard rose in the 1960s. A project of the Werhahn family it was a gift reflecting their piety.
The design is striking. Inspired by Rome’s Santo Stefano Rotondo it’s a circular sanctuary. Its greywacke stone walls stand strong. A tall tower with a spire and cross reaches for the heavens. The roof features a golden fruit design. A symbol of fertility and life it’s a beautiful detail. The church stands surrounded by trees. It is in a small park alongside a sacristy a caretaker’s apartment and a former rectory. The rectory now houses a convent.
The interior is impressive too. It is like a two-story rotunda. Eight arched vaults support eight round arched windows above. The altar is simple a single stone piece. It is lower than it was originally. The walls are newly plastered. The sandstone capitals are restored. The original flooring now gleams. It is free of its old impregnation. The pews encircle the altar in a horseshoe shape. A new induction loop system for the hard of hearing improves accessibility. New lighting also enhances the space.
This wasn’t always the case. The church was nearly sold in the 2000s due to low attendance. A renovation project changed everything. Architect Robert Jansen oversaw the transformation. During the restoration a surprising discovery was made. The church had never been consecrated at its opening. This was due to the Second Vatican Council. The Cologne bishops had been in Rome. The oversight was forgotten until 2009. A relic of St Hildegard was then placed within the altar during the consecration.
St Hildegard is more than just a place of worship. It is a place of music. Its unique acoustics attract musicians. The BürgerStiftung Rheinviertel and the Bonner Beethovenfest hold concerts here. Famous musicians such as Přeemysl Vojta and Patricia Kopatchinskaja have graced its stage. It truly is a vibrant community space. The church also serves as a convent for Franciscan Clarist nuns. They arrived in 2006. Their presence further enriches the area. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2014 a valuable 17th-century icon was stolen. It depicted the nursing Madonna and the Archangel Michael. The priest offered a curse on the thief citing historical precedent. The incident underscores the rich history of St Hildegard.
St Hildegard is a unique place. It combines modern architecture with ancient inspiration. It’s a testament to faith family and the enduring spirit of a community. It’s a building steeped in history but looking confidently towards the future. It shows the continued relevance of St Hildegard of Bingen’s legacy.