St. Remaclus

Have you ever heard of a church designed as a “bridgehead” to a castle? Right here in the charming district of Cond stands St. Remaclus’s Parish Church. Don’t let its recent construction fool you. This church has a story to tell. Built between 1964 and 1967, St. Remaclus’s might appear much older at first glance. The use of local red-brown slate quarry stone and the church’s seamless integration into the surrounding environment contribute to this illusion. The mastermind behind this architectural marvel was Emil Steffann, a renowned church architect. His vision for St. Remaclus’s was to create a visual dialogue with the imposing Cochem Castle standing majestically across the river. Tragically, Steffann met an untimely demise in a car accident just two months after the church’s consecration, making St. Remaclus’s his final masterpiece. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a sense of openness. The church beautifully embodies the liturgical changes following the Second Vatican Council. Whitewashed brick walls enclose a cross-shaped space, adorned with striking round windows. Look up and marvel at the massive circular arches that gracefully stretch from the pews towards the altar, culminating in a recessed apse. A grand, wheel-shaped chandelier casts a gentle glow over the space. What truly sets St. Remaclus’s apart is its minimalist approach to ornamentation. You’ll find a few meticulously restored treasures from the old parish church, which sadly no longer stands. Complementing these are contemporary artworks, each chosen for its understated elegance. St. Remaclus’s Parish Church is a testament to Steffann’s architectural genius and a harmonious blend of history and modernity.