Gothic splendor on the Rhine: St. Catherine's Church in Oppenheim
As the most significant Gothic church building on the Rhine between Strasbourg and Cologne, St. Catherine's Church catches the eye from afar. The Gothic sacred building dominates the townscape of Oppenheim and invites visitors to come and explore.
From Romanesque predecessor to Gothic main building
Over two centuries, various architectural elements were added, which today come together to form a harmonious whole: with the exception of the two west towers, which date back to a Romanesque predecessor from the 13th century, the church can be classified as Gothic in style.
Traces of the centuries
St. Catherine's Church looks back on an eventful history: the Reformation, various wars, and a city fire have left their mark. One of the highlights of St. Catherine's Church are its stained glass windows. Particularly noteworthy are the two windows in the south facade: the Lily Window, which was reglazed in 1937, and the so-called Oppenheim Rose. Its glass panes date from the 14th century and are largely original. Extensive renovation work was carried out in the 19th century, and the church was finally reconsecrated in 1889. Since then, St. Catherine's Church has been shining in its present splendor. Another highlight of the church is the Woehl organ, which was inaugurated in 2006 and can be heard during church services and numerous concerts.
There is also much to discover outside St. Catherine's Church
On the north side of St. Catherine's Church, you will find the two-story “St. Michael's Chapel,” a mortuary chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael and dating from before 1424. The upper floor houses an exhibition on the history of the renovation of St. Catherine's Church. The basement of St. Michael's Chapel houses the ossuary, which is considered the largest and best-preserved of its kind in Germany. St. Michael's Chapel and the ossuary can be viewed from the outside daily during church opening hours. The exhibition can be viewed on request.
An external staircase also leads to the chapel garden, a small oasis that invites visitors to linger.
For visitors with a head for heights, it is possible to visit the crossing tower. From there, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the town and the surrounding vineyards.
Guided tours
Plan your visit and combine culture with a relaxing stay in the region. Book your guided tour or concert ticket – and experience the place that has been inspiring visitors for centuries. Church tours can be booked through the Oppenheim Tourist Information Office: Email: tourismus@stadt-oppenheim.de | Phone: 06133 – 49 09 14 and 06133 – 49 09 19
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