Altenberger Dom

The Altenberger Dom is a Gothic cathedral in Odenthal featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and expansive windows in the characteristic style. Grey-tinted stained glass covers the walls throughout the interior, creating filtered light across the worship space.

Construction began in 1259 when Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the foundation, taking roughly 140 years to complete under Cistercian direction. During this extended building period, it became the most important religious structure in the region.

The building has served as a shared place of worship for Catholic and Protestant communities since 1857, when King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. ordered its joint use. Visitors today see both denominations using the same sanctuary for their services and gatherings.

The building is open throughout the year, with concerts and sacred music performances, particularly featuring the Klais organ with 6300 pipes, occurring mainly from May through October. Visitors can generally enter for worship services and cultural events with no admission fee.

The cathedral houses burial sites of counts and dukes from the Berg and Jülich-Berg noble families, with most interments occurring until 1511. These historic graves make it a significant memorial to regional aristocratic history.