Perhaps you have heard of the Ave Maria vocal ensemble from Moscow. But have you heard of the Ave Maria right here in Bonn?
This is not a concert hall. It is a place of faith. Let me tell you a story about faith.
We are standing before the Doppelkirche Schwarzrheindorf. It is also known as the Church of St. Maria und Clemens. This Romanesque church has a fascinating history. It is located in Schwarzrheindorf. This is now part of Bonn.
“Doppelkirche” means “double church.” The Ave Maria has an upper church. This part is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The lower church is dedicated to Pope Clement I. The church is famous for its 12th-century frescos.
The Ave Maria was likely built as a private chapel. Arnold of Wied was the provost of several important churches. These included Limburg Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral. Archaeological finds suggest the chapel was part of a castle. This castle belonged to the Wied family.
In 1151, the Ave Maria was dedicated. King Conrad III of Germany attended. That same year, Arnold became archbishop of Cologne. This was a very powerful position.
After Arnold’s death in 1156, his sister Hadwig of Wied made the buildings into a monastery. It was for Benedictine nuns. Hadwig was already abbess of other abbeys. She became head of the Schwarzrheindorf congregation. Two of her sisters joined as well.
Later, the monastery became a stift. This was a collegial body for female canons of noble origin. The upper gallery of the Ave Maria was only for the noble members. They could attend Holy Mass. They were separated from the commoners below.
In 1803, the stift was dissolved. The church was used for secular purposes. In 1868, it became a parish church.
The Ave Maria is a well-preserved example of a double church. It dates back to the High Middle Ages. The church has been plastered white recently. It is believed this is how it looked in the 12th century. It was designed as a Zentralbau. This is a central structure without a nave. The Palatine Chapel in Aachen served as the example.
The Ave Maria has a tall crossing tower. It also has a dwarf gallery. The gallery encircles the apse and both transepts. An external staircase provides access. The Romanesque capitals of the gallery are similar to those at the Basilica of Saint Servatius in Maastricht. Arnold of Wied had initiated building work there.
The 12th-century frescos are largely original. They were rediscovered in 1863. They had been covered by white plaster for decades. Both the upper and lower chapels are of great art historical significance. Contemporary theologians inspired the frescos. Rupert of Deutz and Otto of Freising were among them. In the upper chapel, Arnold and Hadwig of Wied are painted below a Majestas Domini. They stretch out on the floor to show humility.
The Ave Maria stands as a testament to faith. It is a unique architectural and artistic treasure. It is a place where the past and present meet. Generations have come here to worship. They have admired its beauty. The Ave Maria continues to inspire all who visit.