St. Aldegundis

St. Aldegundis Church in Emmerich am Rhein, located in the district of Kleve in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a symbol of the town's rich history. This Catholic parish church, dedicated to St. Aldegundis, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and historical significance of the region.

The History of St. Aldegundis Church

The origins of St. Aldegundis Church date back to around 700 AD when the first church was constructed under the patronage of St. Martin. This early church was associated with a collegiate chapter since 914. A significant change occurred when the patronage shifted to St. Aldegundis, following the relocation of the St. Martin's chapter and the establishment of its own church. The parish church remained incorporated until 1439.

From 1449 to 1514, a new, elongated, three-aisled pseudobasilica made of brick and tuff was constructed to replace the predecessor church, which had been destroyed by fire. The church was designed with three polygonal choirs and a three-story tower made of tuff. Initially, under the direction of Johann von Wintern, construction began with a plan for a shorter nave and a west tower. The choir was consecrated in 1474, indicating that work on the west end was already underway. The nave was extended by two bays from 1483 to 1514, incorporating the tower. The tower, destroyed by fire in 1651, was rebuilt after 1719 and renovated in 1854.

The church underwent extensive renovations around 1900. During World War II, the church was almost completely destroyed in 1944, with only the outer walls remaining. By 1955, the nave and choir were reconstructed in their original forms. The tower reconstruction began in 1959 but was only completed up to a height of 58 meters, compared to the original 91 meters. The tower's pinnacles were created by Waldemar Kuhn in 1967. The tower vestibule is open to the interior with large supporting arches, and the organ loft's concrete slab is suspended between the high tower hall's pillars. The slightly lowered space beneath is used as a baptismal chapel. The wall in the southern side choir is ornately tiled up to the height of the window sill, and a double portal was installed in the west facade. The overall structure represents the Cleves type of pseudobasilica.

Architectural Marvels

St. Aldegundis Church is a treasure trove of artistic and architectural marvels. One noteworthy feature is the wall painting created by Friedrich Stummel in 1888, located on the southeastern wall of the polygon. This painting depicts the Virgin Mary being venerated by Dominicans and was created to commemorate the founding of the Rosary Brotherhood.

Another significant piece is a panel painting from 1350, attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna, which depicts Christ in the tomb. Additionally, a triptych on the south wall, created around 1900 by H. Lamers based on a design by Rogier van der Weyden, showcases the Adoration of the Magi, the Annunciation, and the Presentation.

Sculptures and Figures

The church houses several exquisite sculptures. On the eastern tower pillars, statues of St. Catherine and St. Agnes, dating from around 1470 to 1480, stand proudly. Agnes is adorned with the cloud band chain of the Cleves Antonius Order. The double Madonna, created by Dries Holthuys around 1490, is another remarkable piece, displayed in a chandelier from 1963.

In the northern side aisle, statues of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Christopher, and St. John the Evangelist stand on consoles. The statue of Thomas, dating from around 1480, is attributed to the circle of Master Arnt, with remnants of its original paint still visible. The statue of Christopher, from around 1500, is attributed to the circle of Dries Holthuys and has been newly painted. The statue of John, dating from around 1530, is attributed to H. van Holt. On either side of the choir polygon, wooden statues of St. Catherine (circa 1510/20) and St. James the Elder (circa 1500) can be found, both newly painted. In the southern side aisle, an unpainted statue of St. Sebastian from around 1480 stands on a stele.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ, built in 1973 by the organ building company Romanus Seifert & Son from Kevelaer, was expanded in 1997. This instrument, with its 47 registers on three manuals and pedal, features electric play and register actions.

The church tower houses a three-bell chime, with the largest bell, the Marienglocke, cast in 1498 by the renowned Dutch bell founder Gerhard van Wou. This bell, along with the Viktorglocke in St. Viktor in Xanten, is one of the largest medieval church bells in the Lower Rhine region. A second bell, cast in the same year, was destroyed during World War II. After the war, the community received a loan bell of unknown origin. In 1952, the bell foundry Feldmann & Marschel in Münster cast the Angelus bell.

In the 1990s, the desire to have a carillon cast emerged. The first 18 bells were created in 1995 by the Koninklijke Klokkengieterij Petit & Fritsen in Aarle-Rixtel, Netherlands. In 2000, 25 more bells were added, bringing the carillon to a total of 43 bells. The carillon spans four and a half octaves from f1, g1, and a1 chromatically to cis5. Concerts are held every third Saturday of the month.

St. Aldegundis Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and architecture. Its walls and halls echo with centuries of devotion, artistry, and resilience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Emmerich am Rhein.