Perched here, Alt St. Martin whispers tales from centuries past. It is Dusseldorf’s oldest church and its oldest surviving structure. Imagine stepping back in time to the early Middle Ages. Around the year 700, a simple rectangular chapel arose here. This was the humble beginning of Alt St. Martin.
Built with Ratinger slate and brown coal quartzites, it stood as a testament to early craftsmanship. No mortar held the stones together. Red clay was the binding agent. This early Carolingian church served the people of Bilk. It also likely served Dusseldorf.
But peace was not always present. Invading Saxons, Normans or Magyars burned the church down between 788 and 919. Undeterred, the community rebuilt around the year 1000. They constructed a three-aisled basilica. The builders cleverly incorporated remains of the original structure.
Between 1150 and 1200, Alt St. Martin evolved further. A striking five-story tower was added. It became a landmark. A semi-circular apse and small choir room expanded the church’s space. Vaulting was added around 1200. The side aisles we see today date back to the 15th century. They were rebuilt with brick in the 17th century.
Fast forward to the early 19th century. The church was in such disrepair that its abandonment was considered. In 1812, the nearby Loreto Chapel became the new parish church. Alt St. Martin was repurposed. It served as a barn and textile factory.
But its historical value was eventually recognized. Citizens of Bilk formed a committee. They raised funds for initial preservation work. A comprehensive restoration took place from 1879 to 1881. Architects Rincklake and Pickel led the effort.
Disaster struck again in 1924. A hurricane caused the tower helmet to collapse. World War II brought further damage. The tower helmet and left side aisle suffered. Repairs were completed by 1951. Another thorough renovation occurred between 1962 and 1974. Modern artists added to the interior during this time.
Today, Alt St. Martin stands as a simple early Romanesque building. The slender five-story tower remains impressive. Frescoes from the 13th century adorn the apse. Two more frescoes originally from the choir area are now on the front walls.
Bert Gerresheim designed the bronze doors at the entrance. Heinz Gernot created the altar and tabernacle. Hermann Gottfried crafted the windows in 1964. In 2006, Uwe Hertel created the semi-circular lead glazing above the entrance. It displays the coat of arms of Tours. Tours is the French city where Saint Martin is buried.
Alt St. Martin houses a single bell. It was cast in 1961 by Petit & Edelbrock. The church organ was built in 1970. It has nine registers and mechanical action. Both the Catholic community of St. Bonifatius and the Lutheran congregation now share Alt St. Martin. Regular services are held here. This ancient church continues to be a place of worship and community. It is a symbol of Dusseldorf’s enduring spirit.