St. Maternus

St. Maternus is a Gothic Revival church in Rodenkirchen featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses that echo medieval design traditions. The building sits on land where a Carthusian monastery once stood, replacing that earlier religious structure entirely.

This church was built between 1863 and 1867 following designs by architect Vinzenz Statz. Its construction marked the expanding spiritual needs of the growing neighborhood during the industrial 1800s.

The Madonna statue from the earlier Alt St. Maternus, dating to 1470, remains inside and connects the space to its religious past. Visitors can see how this preserved work continues to hold meaning for those who come to worship here.

You can reach the church easily using the Cologne Stadtbahn lines 16 and 17, which run near the site. Check ahead for opening times and any services that might be scheduled when you plan to visit.

The stone tympanum above the entrance shows St. Maternus with two angels, set against a detailed carved view of Cologne's skyline. This sculptural detail reveals the skill and local meaning woven into the building's design.