Church of St. Mary of the Capitoline in Germany, resort of Cologne
Rating: 7,5/10 (100 votes)  The Catholic Basilica of St. Mary of the Capitoline is located in the Heumarkt district in the south of Old Cologne. This temple is the largest of all Romanesque basilicas in the city. The temple was built in the early Romanesque style, and is currently represented as a three-aisled basilica with a transept. The church was erected in the 12th century on the site of the former Roman temple. In 50, Emperor Claudius conferred the status of a city on the Colony (present-day Cologne). After some time, a Roman temple was erected in the city in honor of Jupiter, Minerva and Juno – Capitoline Triad. The temple was in the shape of a square, it housed three sanctuaries. The remains of the foundations of this temple have survived to our time. In the 4th century the temple fell into decay. According to historical data, a Christian church was built on the site of the temple in 710. Plectruda became its founder. The church had a rectangular base and a long hall. Probably during the construction, building materials from a Roman temple were used. The church was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary. Subsequently, Plectruda was buried here. In 965, Bruno the First, before his death, bequeathed 10 pounds of silver to the Church of St. Mary 'for the construction of chapels and a monastery'. The current church was built in the 11th century by Abbess Ida. For the construction of the new church, the foundations and the western wall of the Bruno church were used. Choirs were erected over the Roman temple. In 1049, the church altar was consecrated by Leo the Ninth in the presence of 72 bishops. Construction work was completed in 1065, after which the church was consecrated by Anno II, Archbishop of Cologne. Until now, the church has managed to maintain its original appearance. Minor changes to the layout were made in 1150 – the upper walls of the southern and northern apses were rebuilt, a covered gallery was added to the southern apse, and a dome was added over the intersection of the transept. In 1175, the tops of the western towers were extended. The church nave is supported by solid rectangular columns and narrow circular arches decorated with pilasters. The vault covers a modern flat wooden ceiling. The only non-Romanesque feature in the interior decoration of the temple is the pointed `` blind '' arches located around the upper window row. Today, the temple houses a large collection of medieval art. Particularly noteworthy are the wooden doors currently located next to the south aisle. These doors were made in 1065. On them you can observe scenes from the life of Christ. Other no less interesting works are – `` Hermann-Joseph-Madonna '' (late 12th century), 'Mary on the Throne' (early 13th century), Crucifixion (14th century). The tombstone of Plectrude, the founder of the church, can be seen in the south aisle. We also recommend reading Clifton Suspension Bridge, UK, Bristol Resort Topic: Church of St. Mary of the Capitoline in Germany, resort of Cologne. |
