Matthiaskapelle Kobern, Romanesque chapel near Oberburg in Kobern-Gondorf, Germany
Matthiaskapelle is a Romanesque chapel standing on a hilltop in Kobern-Gondorf with a hexagonal shape and a diameter of around 11 meters. A central, tower-like structure rises about 14 meters above the roof and defines the building's distinctive appearance.
Heinrich II of Isenburg had the chapel built between 1220 and 1240 to house the head of Saint Matthias, which he brought back from his travels. The veneration of relics was central to medieval religious practice and made this location an important destination for believers in the region.
The chapel displays carved capitals featuring grotesque faces and figures that reflect medieval craftsmanship throughout its interior. These carved details show how artists of that time decorated religious spaces with imaginative designs.
The chapel is freely accessible from the outside, but the interior can only be entered on special occasions. It helps to check local opening times in advance, as access varies depending on the season and local arrangements.
The chapel's architectural design draws inspiration from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and reflects influences from religious buildings across Spain, Portugal, and Asia Minor. This blend of European and Eastern architectural elements makes it a rare and notable structure for the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
