Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step inside a church that was built to serve a brand new community? St. Dreikönigen was built in the 1920s during a time of rapid growth and change in Cologne. As the city expanded, new neighborhoods sprung up, and the need for new churches became apparent. St. Dreikönigen stands as a testament to this era, with its sleek, modern design reflecting the spirit of the times.
The church is located in Bickendorf, a once-rural district that quickly transformed into a bustling suburb. The church’s design is a blend of styles, incorporating elements of both Expressionism and the New Architecture movement. It’s a striking structure with a slender tower, soaring lancet windows, and a spacious interior that’s bathed in natural light.
St. Dreikönigen’s history is interwoven with the history of Cologne itself. The church was built to serve a growing Catholic population. St. Dreikönigen was originally planned for 800 adults and 300 children. The church was designed to be a symbol of the community’s faith and a place of worship for generations to come.
You may not be able to see it right now, but the church’s original stained glass windows were designed by the renowned artist Jan Thorn Prikker. Unfortunately, they were destroyed during World War II. They have been replaced with windows from the 1960s and 1970s but the original designs can still be found in the church archives and in historical photographs. The church itself was also damaged during the war, but it was rebuilt afterwards, and it continues to serve as a vibrant place of worship to this day. Today, you can step inside and feel the history of this church, hear its echo through the halls and sense the lives that have been touched by its presence.