St. Maria Magdalena

St. Maria Magdalena is a Gothic church with three naves arranged in a hall configuration in Geldern. The structure combines Gothic architecture with modern reconstruction elements added in the mid-20th century.

The church was originally built in 1339 as a Carmelite monastery church and underwent expansion between 1400 and 1418. This enlargement added the three naves with triple apse closure that defines its appearance today.

The church displays a 15th-century oak cross above its modern altar and twelve bronze apostle lamps created by architect Dominikus Böhm. These works link old religious traditions with 20th-century design thinking.

The church houses two organs: a choir organ with five registers and a main organ built in 1971 with 32 registers. Both instruments are used regularly for musical performances and enhance the experience of a visit.

The northern transept houses a golden shrine containing relics of Saints Galenus and Valenus, who have been considered the city's protective saints since their donation in 1478. This special treasure is often overlooked by visitors, though it holds an important place in the city's story.

Location: Geldern

GPS coordinates: 51.51770,6.32100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20