Sankt Antonius-Kapelle

Gazing at Sankt Antonius-Kapelle, one might mistake it for a quaint cottage, not a “Sehler Dom”. This charming chapel in Cochem-Sehl, with its half-hipped roof and timber-frame elements, whispers tales from the 17th century. The seemingly humble structure holds a rich history, intertwined with the larger narrative of Cochem and its devotion. Sankt Antonius-Kapelle’s story begins earlier, however, in 1493. The parish of Cochem, fueled by papal indulgence privileges, embarked on building a new chapel in Sehl, right on the Moselle’s bank. The original chapel’s location remains a mystery. From this earlier chapel, the present Sankt Antonius-Kapelle retains its Gothic choir. The chapel, also known as “Sehler Dom,” a nickname hinting at its importance to the community, was dedicated to several figures. These included Saint Anthony the Abbot, Saint Wolfgang, the Virgin Mary, Saint Ruprecht, and Saint Cunen. Intriguingly, the chapel’s bell, cast in 1441, predates the chapel itself, a testament to the enduring spirit of faith in Sehl. The bell proclaims, “AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM MCCCCXXXXI.” Inside Sankt Antonius-Kapelle resides a poignant “Mary under the Cross” sculpture from the early 16th century, a gift from Dean Eckert to Saint Martin’s Church. The chapel’s construction also reveals the relationship between Cochem and Sehl. The Sehl residents, considered “half-townsmen” of Cochem, lacked their own municipal rights. The Cochem town council initially opposed placing a bell at the “Sehler Dom,” highlighting the power dynamics of the time. Sankt Antonius-Kapelle stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. Its unassuming exterior belies a rich history. The chapel serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals who built and cherished it over the centuries.