Drawn to Immendorf by its tranquil charm? This small village boasts a history stretching back over a millennium. Immendorf offers a unique glimpse into Cologne’s past.
Immendorf was first mentioned in 948. Archbishop Wichfrid of Cologne referred to it as “Iminethorp”. He gave the village and its church to the St. Severin monastery. Even before this official record, archaeological finds suggest both Roman and Frankish settlements existed here.
In 881, the Normans raided Immendorf. They destroyed the early church. Later, a Romanesque church was built. This was expanded in 1841. However, it was replaced by the current structure in 1873.
The present church in Immendorf, Sankt Servatius, was built in a Neo-Romanesque style. August Carl Lange designed it in 1873 and 1874. It underwent extensive renovations in 1966 and 1967. Like its predecessors, Sankt Servatius sits atop a hill. Curiously, this hill is called Heidenberg.
Local historian Wolfgang Gerard believes Heidenberg may have been the site of a pagan shrine. It might have been dedicated to the god Irmin. This potential shrine could have given Immendorf its name. “Irmin” is also found in Germanic names, meaning “great.”
The parish of Immendorf once extended far. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it reached the Bischofsweg. This was south of the Severinstor, near Cologne’s city limits. The parish included neighboring Godorf.
Besides the church, Immendorf has other listed buildings. These include the rectory. There are also two wayside crosses and the old schoolhouse. The school was built in 1872. Edmund Bolten redesigned it in 1914. Other notable buildings are the Zaunhof on Immendorfer Hauptstraße. It was a knightly goldsmith’s workshop in the 16th century. Numerous small farms line the Giesdorfer Allee.
North of Immendorf, in the area called Giesdorf, lie the Friedrichshof and Gillessenhof farms. Until 1802, they belonged to the Groß Sankt Martin abbey in Cologne. Later, they were given to Cologne’s poor administration.
Today, Immendorf has about 2,079 residents. It is known for its village atmosphere and the Sankt Servatius church, often called the “Cathedral of Immendorf.” The area around the old quarry ponds and the gravel pits offers relaxation for nature lovers.
While Immendorf retains its rural character, it’s close to industrial areas like Godorf. Many residents worked at the Shell refinery. Though offering a quiet residential environment, Immendorf is primarily a residential area.
Once, the Bitzerhof restaurant opposite the church was a local landmark. It was established in 1821 but closed in 2013. Today, Immendorf is a blend of old and new. It has historic farmsteads and newer housing developments. The Radsportabteilung des TSV Immendorf 1968 e. V. cycling club organizes a renowned Radtourenfahrt.
Though Immendorf faced challenges with contaminated lakes in the past, it remains a charming part of Cologne. It is a place where history and community intertwine. Its story echoes through the centuries. From its early mention in 948 to its modern-day identity, Immendorf offers a unique perspective on Cologne’s rich heritage.