“A 1201 chapel” you might say. That’s where the story of St. Nikolaus in Cologne truly begins. Right here on this very spot. A humble structure it was then. Dedicated to the patron saint of children sailors and travelers. St. Nikolaus endured the ravages of the Burgundian Wars. It was destroyed in 1474. Centuries later Cologne’s growth demanded a new church for the Sulz district. The walk to the nearest church was too long. This area needed its own place of worship.
Private citizens took the initiative. They funded the construction of a church. This was despite the Kulturkampf the struggle between the state and the Catholic Church in 19th-century Germany. A testament to faith. A testament to community. The new St. Nikolaus rose between 1903 and 1909. Franz Statz designed it. He was the son of the Cologne Cathedral’s master builder Vincenz Statz. The church was built in the neo-Romanesque style. Tuff and basalt stones formed its sturdy walls.
St. Nikolaus wasn’t merely a replacement building. It became a symbol of Sulz’s identity. The church has a rich interior. A beautiful wooden relief from 1909 graces the area behind the priest’s seat. It’s a stunning piece by A. Schmidt. Johannes Osten created three neo-Byzantine mosaics in 1919. These mosaics adorn the apse and the war memorial chapel. They are vibrant and magnificent. The apse mosaic depicts Jesus Christ. He’s flanked by John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary.
The stained-glass windows further enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Heinrich Windelschmidt’s work from 1960 showcases the symbols of the Evangelists. Peter Hecker’s wall paintings from the same year add depth and beauty. Later in 1978 Paul Weigmann created the 24 upper gallery windows. They feature delightful garlands of fruit. Olaf Hohnen crafted the altar. A modern masterpiece.
The church’s bells also tell a story. The current four-bell peal is a powerful one. Its design generates a rich full sound. Its melody is based on the hymn “O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf”. Sadly only one bell survived both World Wars. Three new bells were cast in 1957 by the Otto foundry. This is significant. It represents one of the few large bell sets Otto produced for Cologne after the Second World War.
In 2009 a new organ by the firm Mühleisen from Leonberg was installed. Its mechanical and electric components create a magnificent sound. It has a unique feature. A second swell device in the tower allows the swell organ to be used remotely. Truly a remarkable instrument. St. Nikolaus is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to faith community and resilience. It’s a must-see for every visitor to Cologne. It stands as a beautiful beacon of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.