A remarkable church stands before us. This is St Aegidius-Kirche in Bonn’s Buschdorf district. It’s a far cry from the older Aegidius chapel it replaced. The St Aegidius-Kirche we see today is a testament to modern architecture. It was completed in 1980.
The church’s history goes back much further than its current structure. Buschdorf may have been part of the Graurheindorfer parish as early as 1131. It wasn’t until 1977 that it gained its own parish status. The building you see today is a result of a competition held in 1974. Johannes Krahn’s design was chosen. He was a leading expert in church architecture. Sadly he died the same year. His son helped complete the project. A Frankfurt architectural firm also contributed.
Notice the unusual design. The church’s shape is an organic cross. It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. The inward curving walls are clad in ashlar. Horizontal and vertical window bands create a striking effect. Inside the church feels both spacious and intimate thanks to the careful use of light. The oval-shaped bell tower stands at one corner. The flat roof reflects the architectural trends of its time. Two modern flat-roofed buildings belong to the parish complex.
Inside St Aegidius-Kirche you’ll find remarkable artwork. Sepp Hürten created the bronze and stone altar. He also created the crucifix the tabernacle and the baptismal font. The fourteen Stations of the Cross are also his work. The wooden Pietà is from the old Aegidius chapel. It dates back to the 20th century. Hürten later added the bronze entrance portal with reliefs depicting the Apostles’ Creed.
The church’s Klais organ is another masterpiece. It was built in 1981. Its hexagonal tower complements the church’s architecture. It has two manuals and twenty-two registers.
Outside the church you’ll see other intriguing details. There’s a replica of a Matronenstein. This ancient stone was found nearby in 1964. The original is at the Rhine Regional Museum. A historic basalt lava boundary stone also sits here. It bears the Bonn coat of arms and the date 1549.
St Aegidius-Kirche is more than just a place of worship. It’s a work of art. It’s a significant part of Bonn’s history and cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate its unique beauty and the stories it holds. Enjoy the rest of your tour.