St. Mariä Geburt

St. Mariä Geburt is a three-nave hall church with a Romanesque west tower and cross-ribbed vaulting throughout. The main nave is surrounded by an ambulatory that frames the altar area and defines the interior layout.

Construction began around 1200 under the patronage of Gladbach Abbey. Major expansion took place between 1453 and 1460, establishing the structure that stands today.

The church houses three Flemish carved altars, including the high altar by Master Adrian van Overbeck from Antwerp in 1513. These works reflect Kempen's role as a trading center that attracted major art pieces from the southern Low Countries.

The church was extensively restored after World War II damage, which means many original medieval features have been preserved in their current state. Before visiting, check local opening hours as the interior may have restricted access times.

The organ case from 1541 is the only surviving Renaissance example of its kind in the Rhineland region. This rare feature demonstrates the high artistic standards Kempen maintained even in the early modern period.

Location: Kempen

Inception: 1482

GPS coordinates: 51.36404,6.41906

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07