St. Gregorius

St. Gregorius is a parish church in Burtscheid with a circular columbarium in its crypt made of warm-toned beech plywood and black steel urns. The space is functionally designed and accommodates urns of different sizes for family graves.

Architect Stefan Leuer designed the church between 1962 and 1965, creating a modern building for its era. The design reflects the postwar period and shows the contemporary approach to sacred spaces in Germany.

The church displays works by local artists, including a backlit bronze crucifix and Stations of the Cross that shape its interior. These pieces create a personal and reflective space for visitors.

Visitors find resting places here in different sizes, marked with names and dates of the deceased. The space is easy to access and offers a quiet place for remembrance.

After 15 years, ashes from the columbarium are transferred to the aeternum garden where they rest beneath a yellow wall of tamped earth. This practice shows a special way of honoring the deceased that emphasizes impermanence.

Location: Aachen

Architects: Stefan Leuer

GPS coordinates: 50.74982,6.08639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45