Why is there a dragon perched atop the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche? You might be surprised to learn that this Gothic Revival Basilica, often called Kreuzkirche, doesn’t actually feature a dragon. It does however boast a rather unique feature – a dragon rider on its elevated roof. Standing here, before the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche, you’re looking at a piece of Münster’s history. Built between 1899 and 1902, this church quickly became a focal point of the Kreuzviertel district. Its soaring spire, reaching 87 meters towards the sky, was completed in 1908. But did you know that the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche served as a temporary cathedral for Münster? Following the destruction of St. Paulus-Dom during World War II, this church played a crucial role in the city’s spiritual life. Imagine the newly appointed Cardinal Clemens August Graf von Galen, returning from Rome, celebrating his first and only Pontifical High Mass right here in 1946. Sadly, it was also in this very church, just five days later, that his funeral mass was held. The Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche stands as a testament to Münster’s resilience, a beacon of faith that has weathered the storms of time.
Münster-West
Sixty-one thousand three hundred and eighty-two souls. That’s how many people called Münster-West home in 2019. A sprawling district isn’t