Why is this unassuming chapel so important? The Alt St. Maternus. also called “Kapellchen” is more than just an old building. It is a landmark with a rich history. Alt St. Maternus stands near the Rhine in Cologne-Rodenkirchen. This puts it right in the historic heart of the area.
Alt St. Maternus is one of thirteen small Romanesque churches. They were built outside Cologne’s medieval city wall. The Förderverein Romanische Kirchen Köln maintains Alt St. Maternus. This association preserves Cologne’s Romanesque churches. Memorial stones were found in the walls during renovations in 1925. These stones date back to early Christian times. Such stones were used in churches. These churches had baptismal and burial rights. This suggests that Alt St. Maternus had an early Christian predecessor.
The church includes two naves a choir and a sacristy. The central nave with its semicircular apse dates to the 10th century. A side aisle with Gothic windows was added in the 15th century. In the 17th century a tower was built in front of it. The tower served as living quarters for the sexton. Several rooms were set up inside.
The interior of Alt St. Maternus was described as “not worth mentioning” in the late 19th century. Yet, the church remains a significant historical landmark in Cologne. Despite its humble description Alt St. Maternus holds a special place in local history.
Excavations confirm that the area around Rodenkirchen was settled in Roman times. The area was mainly used for agriculture. The first documented mention of Rodenkirchen dates back to 989. This document mentions the donation of the Fronhof Rodenkirchen to St. Martin’s Abbey in Cologne.
Alt St. Maternus has a special location on a rock promontory above the Rhine. This small building has a grand effect on the waterfront. Its original structure dates back to the 10th century. Many believe that an even older building stood here before.
During renovations in 1925 memorial stones were discovered near the church. These stones were probably from the 6th century. They were visibly embedded in the church wall. In Gothic times a southern side aisle was added to the original Romanesque building. The apse was rebuilt on the old foundations. Further additions from the 17th century include the west building and the sacristy.
Repeatedly Alt St. Maternus needed repairs due to flood damage. Markings on the inner and outer walls show the levels of major floods. After the new Maternus Church was built in 1867 Alt St. Maternus fell into disrepair. From 1925 to 1929 it underwent extensive renovations. During World War II Alt St. Maternus suffered great damage. The east part of the nave was destroyed down to the foundations. Only parts of the apse remained. The south wall the sacristy the tower helmet and the roofs were badly damaged.
Fortunately Alt St. Maternus was spared from demolition. Reconstruction began in 1948. In 1954 the church was rededicated. The architect Albert Weiß created a harmonious work. It blends into the historic half-timbered houses around it. Renovation work due to flood damage continued until recently. The installation of Cologne’s flood protection walls in 2006-08 finally secured Alt St. Maternus.
Inside the Romanesque style dominates. Small choir windows decorate the apse. The head wall features relief statues of the four evangelists. These statues come from the pulpit of the new Maternus Church. They date back to around 1880. Old and new art combine harmoniously in Alt St. Maternus. Statues of St. Maternus the baroque Anna Selbdritt St. Johannes Nepomuk and St. Scholastica stand in contrast to the modern tabernacle and ambo. These newer works are by sculptor Ho Sang Tong from Cologne-Weiß.
Alt St. Maternus reminds us of the legend. According to it the boat carrying the body of the deceased bishop drifted upstream. It got stuck on the rock promontory. In his honor this church was built here. A sculpture on the outside wall of the apse commemorates this tale. It was created by Rodenkirchen sculptor Stefan Kaiser.
Today Alt St. Maternus stands as a testament to Cologne’s resilience and faith. It has survived floods wars and neglect. It is now a cherished landmark. The church is a symbol of the city’s rich history. It embodies the spirit of its people.