St. Margareta

St. Margareta in Brühl, located in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a splendid example of a historical Roman Catholic parish church. This architectural gem has stood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of history, culture, and faith. The church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a monument of architectural and historical significance, drawing visitors from near and far.

The History of St. Margareta

The origins of St. Margareta date back to the 14th century, making it a significant historical landmark in Brühl. The church was constructed in the third and fourth decades of the 14th century, replacing a smaller chapel that had become insufficient for the growing congregation. The construction was undertaken under the auspices of Archbishop Walram of Jülich, and the original structure was built using sandstone. The western part of the nave, consisting of four bays, is a remnant of this early construction phase.

In 1735, the church tower was elevated and adorned with a new spire, enhancing its prominence. The church underwent significant expansion between 1885 and 1887 to accommodate the burgeoning population resulting from Brühl’s industrialization. This expansion, directed by Cologne architect and diocesan master builder Vincenz Statz, included the addition of a fifth bay, a transept, and a new choir. The original choir was demolished, and the supporting buttresses of the nave were renewed. Flying buttresses were introduced to support the clerestory.

During the renovation, a seal was discovered in the sepulchre of the former high altar, confirming the church's construction under Walram of Jülich. The church’s surroundings were historically bounded by Wallstraße to the west and the Ippenbach to the east. Between 1903 and 1905, the originally simple west tower was renewed based on plans by Alfred Tepe.

World War II had a significant impact on the church, with two bells dating from 1512 and 1785 being requisitioned. However, the Margaretenglocke from 1512 survived. In 1955, the church received two new bells. The interior underwent extensive renovations between 1958 and 1962, during which the choir was lowered, and the flooring and plaster were renewed. During these renovations, older foundations and graves were discovered, hinting at an earlier church structure.

Further restoration work was carried out between 1988 and 1994, always with a focus on maintaining the church's unified Gothic and Neo-Gothic appearance.

Architectural Marvel

St. Margareta is primarily constructed from masonry. The two-bay choir features a five-sided apse, with stepped buttresses at each corner and pointed arch windows adorned with tracery. The north and south sides each have a small rectangular side chapel with stair towers, with the north side complemented by a rectangular sacristy.

The nave has a rectangular plan, expanded by a transept forming a two-aisled hall. The side walls are reinforced with buttresses, transitioning into flying buttresses to support the clerestory. The tower has a square base, partially extended by a bay of the side aisle. The entrance is through a pointed arch portal with tracery, above which are two large pointed arch niches, a clock, and the bell chamber with three pointed arch sound openings on each side. The spire is topped with a turret ball and cross.

Interior Highlights

The Pulpit

The baroque oak pulpit, crafted by court sculptor Kirchhoff in 1752-1753, is a masterpiece of ecclesiastical art. The pulpit was originally larger but was reduced in size during the church's late 19th-century expansion. It features symbols of the four Evangelists and two of the Latin Church Fathers, with intricate carvings and a richly decorated sounding board topped with a gilded statue of Archangel Michael.

Side Chapel and Baptismal Chapel

The southern side chapel houses an adoration chapel with a baroque altar retable, originally part of the high altar created by Leopold Radoux the Younger in 1778. The altar is adorned with praying angels and a pelican feeding its young, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice.

The baptismal chapel features a red marble font with a black marble basin, decorated with ornamental glass inlays. The chapel is enclosed by a wooden balustrade, originally part of a communion rail, and includes a statue of John the Baptist from the early 18th century.

Additional Church Furnishings

In the choir, two wooden panel paintings from around 1510 depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. These paintings, likely originating from St. Kunibert in Cologne, were restored in the mid-20th century. The Ecce Homo painting shows Christ being presented to the public, while the Crucifixion painting depicts the crucifixion scene with various figures, including Longinus and the three Marys.

A painting of St. Margaret, the church's patron saint, hangs in the southern side chapel. This 18th-century work, possibly created by Leopold Radoux, was restored in 1951 and portrays St. Margaret with a cross, gazing toward a heavenly light.

St. Margareta in Brühl is not just a church; it is a testament to centuries of faith, art, and history. Its walls tell stories of the past, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and religious heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual pilgrim, St. Margareta offers a rich and rewarding experience.