St. Heinrich und Kunigund

Did the stones of St. Heinrich und Kunigund whisper secrets of Nippes’ past? Here at St. Heinrich und Kunigund, the very first Catholic parish church of Nippes, history comes alive. This magnificent neo-Gothic structure, designed by the renowned architect Vincenz Statz, was erected between 1850 and 1852. The church initially bore the name St. Mariä Himmelfahrt and served the newly established Catholic parish. Interestingly, a small cemetery once surrounded St. Heinrich und Kunigund. Burials took place here from 1850 to 1869. Today, only two weathered gravestones remain as silent witnesses to this era. The church’s story is a testament to resilience. Deemed too small shortly after its construction, a larger St. Marien church was built. St. Heinrich und Kunigund then faced near demolition in 1930. Saved from destruction, it was renovated and reopened as the Kreuzkapelle in 1943. Though heavily damaged by bombs in 1944, services resumed by the end of 1945. The church became the parish church of St. Heinrich und Kunigund in 1958. This revival was short-lived, as the parish dissolved in 1990 due to declining membership. Today, St. Heinrich und Kunigund serves as an affiliate of St. Marien. The church’s namesake, Heinrich II, the last Ottonian emperor, was canonized in 1146. His wife, Kunigunde of Luxembourg, achieved sainthood in 1200. Their legacy lives on in this hallowed space, reminding us of Nippes’ rich spiritual heritage. Inside, the church hosts Sunday concerts showcasing both classical and contemporary music. Once a month, on a Friday evening, you can experience interactive vocal meditations and improvisations.