Stiftskirche Cappenberg, Romanesque church in Selm, Germany
Stiftskirche Cappenberg is a three-aisled basilica with a transept in Selm, displaying Romanesque architecture enhanced by Gothic modifications from the 14th and 15th centuries. The building features a substantial choir, slender pillars, and windows that were modified and renewed over the centuries.
The building was founded in the 12th century by Otto and Gottfried von Cappenberg and served as the first Premonstratensian monastery in Westphalia until 1802. This religious institution shaped the spiritual landscape of the region for centuries.
The church serves as a spiritual center for the local community, actively used for worship and religious gatherings throughout the year. People experience here the continuity of faith that has shaped this corner of Westphalia for centuries.
The site is accessible year-round to visitors interested in exploring medieval architecture and historical objects on display. Guided tours are available for those seeking deeper insights into the building's construction history and holdings.
The building houses the Cappenberger Barbarossakopf, a bronze reliquary bust of Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa crafted in Aachen after 1155. This remarkable artwork stands as one of the region's oldest monuments and demonstrates the exceptional artistic skill of the medieval period.
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