St. Maria im Kapitol, Cologne

The church of St Maria im Kapitol, one of Cologne's Romanesque churches, was built on the site of a former Roman temple - the origin of its name. When the Romans founded their settlement Colonia by the Rhein, they built a temple which inspired the unusual architecture of the later church. In the mid-11th century, Abbess Ida constructed one of the most prominent early Romanesque church buildings on the site of the temple. Until the west tower collapsed in 1637, this was where the city's warning bell was rung. The tower was not reconstructed after the war. Among the church's treasures are the superbly-carved wooden doors, dating from around 1060. The plague crucifix from the year 1304 hangs in a side-chapel. This crucifix was thought to have miraculous properties during the times when Cologne was besieged by the Black Death. This church is venue for the summer event Romanesque Night ( ). To be recommended!!