St. Maria Rosenkranz

St. Maria Rosenkranz is a three-nave basilica in Wersten that displays Romanesque Revival design with round arches and a transept. The building features a circular apse and a tower integrated into its entrance portal, distinguished by double-arched windows.

Construction began in 1907 under architect Wilhelm Sültenfuß and the church was consecrated in 1910 by Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Jos. Müller. A bombing in April 1944 caused severe damage, followed by extensive reconstruction under architect Hans Schwippert that lasted until 1957.

The church serves as a spiritual home for Vietnamese Catholics who gather here to worship in their own language and maintain their religious traditions. For this community, it functions as a gathering place where they can practice their faith together and preserve their cultural identity.

The church is open to the public and features a library with specific opening hours on Sundays and Wednesdays for religious literature and educational materials. Services are held regularly and conducted in multiple languages to serve the diverse community.

The church was nearly destroyed by a bombing in 1944 during World War II but gained a second life through postwar reconstruction. The renovation by a respected architect transformed it into a symbol of resilience and renewal for the city.

Location: Wersten

Inception: 1907

Architects: Wilhelm Sültenfuß, Hans Schwippert

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.18910,6.82253

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42