Bonn Minster

Bonn Minster (German: Bonner Münster) is a Roman Catholic church in Bonn. It is one of Germany's oldest churches, having been built between the 11th and 13th centuries. At one point the church served as the cathedral for the Archbishopric of Cologne. However, the Minster is now a minor basilica. It served as the inspiration for the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, as Kaiser Wilhelm II. had studied Bonn.

Minster of St. Martin's
Bonn Minster
Religion
AffiliationRoman Catholic
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusPapal basilica minor
Location
LocationBonn, Germany
Geographic coordinates50.7333°N 7.1°E
Architecture
Typeminster
StyleRomanesque architecture
Specifications
Direction of façadeEast, Slightly Southeast
Height (max)81.4 meters
Dome(s)None
Spire(s)Five
Website
Website

History

Cassius and Florentius

Sculptures depicting the heads of Saints Cassius & Florentius in front of Bonn Minster.
view longhouse
winter view

Originally the Minster was the collegiate church of Saints Cassius and Florentius, who were Roman legionaries of the legendary all-Christian Theban Legion. The legion's garrison, according to legend, was in the Egyptian town of Thebes. Roman Emperor Maximianus Herculius ordered the legion to march to Gaul and assist in subduing rebels from Burgundy. At some point during their march, the legion refused to follow the emperor's orders either to kill fellow Christians or to worship Maximianus Herculius as a god. As a result, a large number of legionaries were martyred in Agaunum, now named Saint Maurice-en-Valais after Saint Maurice. According to legend, Saints Cassius and Florentius, who were under the command of Saint Gereon, were beheaded for their religious beliefs at the present location of the Minster.

See also

  • List of basilica churches in Germany

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