Richmodis-Haus

Whose ghostly horses are those peering from the Richmodis-Haus? This striking building on Cologne’s Neumarkt, corner of Richmodstraße, holds a captivating tale. The Richmodis-Haus, a blend of modern commerce and echoes of the past, stands as a testament to Cologne’s resilience. Its unique octagonal tower, rebuilt in 1928, is the centerpiece. Two horse heads gaze out from its upper windows, a visual reminder of the legend of Richmodis von Aducht. In the mid-14th century, the Black Death ravaged Europe. Cologne wasn’t spared. Amid the devastation, Richmodis, a noblewoman, showed extraordinary compassion. She cared for the sick and dying, seemingly immune to the plague. Yet, during a later outbreak around 1356, Richmodis succumbed. Or so everyone thought. Her body, clad only in a shroud, was hastily placed in a coffin and taken to the Apostelnkirche cemetery. Two gravediggers, noticing her valuable ring, returned to the cemetery under the cover of night. They were startled to find her hand still warm. Then, Richmodis sat up, complaining of the cold. Realizing where she was, she returned home and knocked on the door. The startled servant refused to believe her claims of being the lady of the house. Finally, her husband, Mengis, came to the door. He too was incredulous, declaring that his wife was dead. He exclaimed that it would be more likely for his two steeds to climb the tower stairs and look out than for Richmodis to return. At that moment, the sound of hooves echoed in the stairwell, followed by a loud whinny from the tower. Two horses peered from the tower windows. Mengis, finally convinced, embraced his wife. Richmodis recovered completely and later had three children. The horses, spared from becoming Sauerbraten, were safely lowered from the tower. The Richmodis-Haus, with its distinctive tower and horse head adornments, serves as a reminder of this chilling legend. The current horse heads, crafted by Wilhelm Müller-Maus in 1958, replaced the original wooden ones destroyed during World War II. The building itself has seen several iterations, rebuilt in 1929 by architect Paul Bonatz. It stands not only as a commercial hub but as a tangible link to Cologne’s rich past. Look closely at the tower, and you might just feel the presence of Richmodis and her miraculous return.