{"id":35247,"date":"2026-05-03T08:28:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T06:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/?p=35247"},"modified":"2026-05-03T08:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T06:28:09","slug":"pilgrimage-sites-in-germany-cologne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/bedevaartplaatsen-in-duitsland-koln\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilgrimage sites in Germany \u2013 Cologne"},"content":{"rendered":"
History<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In 1630, five daughters of the Discalced Carmelite nuns from \u2018s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands came to Cologne. They fled the Netherlands due to the increasing dominance of Protestants, who imposed more and more restrictions on them. The sisters took up residence in the Neuenahrer Hof, previously inhabited by Protestants. This is located at the junction of Kupfergasse, Langgasse, and Schwalbengasse. They subsequently turned it into a convent. At the request of Johann Jakob Wissius (1619-1688), a councillor and later mayor (1682-1685), the Carmelite nuns established the Loreto Chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devotional image is carved from dark lime wood, the maker is unknown and it has been in the chapel since 1675.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Loretto Chapel was built in 1673-1675, modelled on the \u201cSanta Casa\u201d (Holy House) in Loreto, Italy. It was consecrated on 8 September 1675 (the feast day of the Nativity of Mary) by Paul von Aussem (1616-1679), Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Cologne. The Baroque Mary Church was built on top of the Loretto Chapel; the church was consecrated in 1715 by Joseph Clemens of Bavaria (1671-1723), Archbishop-Elect of Cologne (1688-1723).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1801, the convent was closed and the sisters were expelled due to political secularisation. In 1803, a reallocation of parishes in Cologne took place, and the parish of St. Mari\u00e4 in der Kupfergasse was established, under the patronage of St. Mari\u00e4 Himmelfahrt (Saint Mary's Assumption).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1828, Cellites, members of the female branch of the Cell Brothers (Alexian Brothers), take over the enclosed convent.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Interior of the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In 1925, the devotional image is crowned by Karl Joseph Schulte (1871-1941), Cardinal and Archbishop of Cologne (1920-1941). This is done on behalf of Pius XI, Pope from 1922 to 1939, born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti (1857-1939). Our Lady has two golden crowns here, namely this one from 1925 and a baroque crown from 2003.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the night of 30-31 May 1942, Cologne was heavily bombed; this night became known as the \u201c1000-Bomber-Angriffs\u201d (attack by 1,000 bombers). Countless buildings were destroyed, including the chapel, the convent and its annexe. Just in time, the devotional image was saved by Sister Marzella Schui of the adjacent Mother House of the Cellites. Another bombing raid took place on 29 June 1943, and the church then collapsed. In 1947, the reconstruction of the church began, with a temporary emergency church. In 1948, the Black Madonna returned to the largely restored chapel. The silver Madonna statue by Franz Xaver Hellner (1819-1901) was severely damaged in the bombing and was later restored by Master Goldsmith Peter Bolt (1938-2020). In 1952, the church was back in use. In 1967, the restoration work was officially completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the church hangs a Russian icon of Mary, which was donated in 2002 by Joachim Meisner (1933-2017), cardinal from 1983 and Archbishop of Cologne (1989-2014).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2003, the venerated image received a golden crown as a gift, which is encrusted with gemstones. In 2008, the interior of the chapel was renovated.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
part of the high altar in the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Pilgrimage site<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Marian shrine is called \u201cSt. Maria in der Kupfergasse\u201d (Saint Mary in the \u201ccopper alley\u201d). This is the centre of Marian devotion in the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering the pilgrimage site with its almost entirely walled forecourt, is to go past the open gate, which was made by the master blacksmith Heinrich M\u00e4hler (1908-1963).<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Candle wall at the entrance of the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Upon entering the pilgrimage chapel, there is a wall with the opportunity to light candles. Dozens of lights burn here, lit by visitors who are aware of their own or others' suffering from an illness, seeking comfort from Mary or giving thanks to Our Lady. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A painting of Mary and Child, dancing putti and music-making angels shows a joyful representation of good feeling. Two little angels crown the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Painting of the Coronation of the Virgin by angels in the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The miraculous image of the Black Madonna is housed in the church and has a place in the Loreto Chapel. The statue is approximately 140 cm tall. On her left arm, Mary holds her Child with a small globe, and in her right hand, she holds a sceptre. Mary's head is surrounded by a halo of 12 stars and radiates dignity. She looks at the visitor. The miraculous image stands on a 16th-century Portuguese Baroque altar, beneath a baldachin. Two small angels are placed to the left and right of the Mother of God.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shrine of the Black Madonna in the Loreto Chapel of the pilgrimage site in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the church, there is a nearly 1-metre high effigy of a seated, silver Madonna and Child from 1892. It is a gift from the Marian Men's Congregation and comes from the workshop of Franz Xaver Hellner (1819-1901). Mary is seated on copper plates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Baroque oak high altar in the church is 10 metres high and features dark-coloured statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors pause at the painting of the descent from the cross of Jesus. This also happens at a painting with Mary, the newborn Jesus, and visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Painting with Mary, the newborn Jesus and visitors in the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every year, the Cologne Carnival organisation comes here to ask Our Lady for her protection and blessing for their activities. Supporters of the football club 1. FC K\u00f6ln also frequently visit to call upon Mary's help. Residents from the city centre, who sometimes fear high water levels of the Rhine river, come here to ask Mary for help and protection against the threateningly high water levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several times a year, celebrations are held in Latin in the chapel, with singing by the \u201cFrauen-Choral schola\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 8 September, the feast day of the Nativity of Mary, there will be an octave and for 8 days there will be much prayer and celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pilgrimage chapel is open daily, with services held every day and the resort offers opportunities for confession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACCESSIBILITY<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The pilgrimage site of St. Maria in der Kupfergasse is located in the centre of Cologne and belongs to the Archdiocese of Cologne.

Address: Schwalbengasse 1, 50667 Cologne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current information can be found at www.kupfergasse.de.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Today a visit to the Marian shrine of Cologne, which is located in the city centre. This is the heart of Marian devotion in the diocesan city on the Rhine. To feel that heart is the aim of my visit to \u201cSt. Maria in der Kupfergasse\u201d. Even though this large city is known for its Cathedral and Maria is frequently seen there, my focus is on the Marian shrine in the old city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I reach the entrance, a stone reads \u201cgehe nicht vorbei one ein \u201cAve\u201d zu beten\u201d (do not pass by without reciting an Ave Maria). That is a fitting welcome, suits Mary and me. I begin by reciting a few Ave Marias and then proceed to the forecourt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the facade, right at the very top, there's a depiction of Mother Mary and Child. What a height! I really have to crane my neck for this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, I go inside and see many candles burning. I am told that around 5,000 candles are lit here each week as thanks to and aid from Mary. What a source of light! A beautiful, dark brown altarpiece catches my eye; this is the high altar. Mary is surrounded by angels and ascending into heaven. Lamps are burning in the space, and the walls are quite bare.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver seated Madonna with Child in the pilgrimage church in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I see the enthroned Madonna with Child. It is a silver artwork from 1892 by the German artist Franz Xaver Hellner. It comes from the \u201cMarianische M\u00e4nnerkongregation 1608 K\u00f6ln\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the church, I stand a little longer by an icon of Mary and Child. Artists are such special people with great qualities! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a corner, on a console, stands an effigy of the crowned Mary and Child. The Mother of God holds her Little One on her back arm and in her left hand, She holds a sceptre. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loreto Chapel in the pilgrimage site in Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Next, I enter the space I most longed to see Maria. Behind a strong grille with gold-coloured decorations stands the Black Madonna. This is the Loreto Chapel. I feel as if I am back in the Italian pilgrimage site of Loreto. Mary and Jesus are crowned, and Mary has a halo with 12 gold stars around her head. Putti are placed on either side of Mary and Child. If I see correctly, Mary's eyes are directed at the visitors, she is carrying her Child on her left arm, and in her right hand, she holds a sceptre. Mary and Child are festively dressed in long robes. It feels like a great gift to be allowed to be here! This is the place for another Hail Mary. Thank you, Mary! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environment<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Cathedral is near the pilgrimage church with a chapel in Kupfergasse; it's about a 5-minute walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Churches can also be visited in Cologne, such as St. Maria in Lyskirchen, An Lyskirchen 10, 50676 K\u00f6ln, St. Mari\u00e4 Himmelfahrt, Marzellenstrasse 32, 50668 K\u00f6ln and St. Ursula Church, Ursulaplatz 24, 50668 K\u00f6ln.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving Aachen Cathedral and arriving at Cologne Cathedral means going 80 km to the northeast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~~~<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GESCHIEDENIS In 1630 komen 5 dochters van de ongeschoeide karmelieten uit het Nederlandse ‘s-Hertogenbosch naar K\u00f6ln. Zij vluchten uit Nederland door de toenemende heerschappij van protestanten, die hen meer en meer beperkingen oplegt. De zusters nemen hun intrek in de eerder door protestanten bewoonde Neuenahrer Hof. Dit is op de locatie van de samenkomst van […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-duitsland"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":"","trp-custom-language-flag":""},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"

GESCHIEDENIS In 1630 komen 5 dochters van de ongeschoeide karmelieten uit het Nederlandse ‘s-Hertogenbosch naar K\u00f6ln. Zij vluchten uit Nederland door de toenemende heerschappij van protestanten, die hen meer en meer beperkingen oplegt. De zusters nemen hun intrek in de eerder door protestanten bewoonde Neuenahrer Hof. Dit is op de locatie van de samenkomst van Kupfergasse, Langgasse en Schwalbengasse. Vervolgens maken zij er een klooster van. Op verzoek van Johann Jakob Wissius (1619-1688), raadsheer en later burgemeester (1682-1685), realiseren de karmelietessen de Loretokapel. Het genadebeeld is uit donker lindehout gesneden, de maker is onbekend en staat sinds 1675 in de…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"Bedevaartplaatsen in Duitsland<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Jan van Wijk","url":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/author\/jan\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35247"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35247\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35363,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35247\/revisions\/35363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariakamer.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}