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Ruins · Bacharach, Renânia-Palatinado
Wernerkapelle
Gothic ruin of a roofless chapel, between the center of Bacharach and the castle, with a plaque that recalls the persecution of Jews linked to its history.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Wernerkapelle
The Wernerkapelle is the ruin of a Gothic chapel of red sandstone, on the slope between the church of St. Peter and Burg Stahleck. Roofless and with open-windowed walls, it became one of the symbols of Rhine Romanticism and appears in engravings and paintings since the 19th century.
Construction began shortly after 1287 and was only completed after 1426, with plans connected to the workshop of Strasbourg Cathedral. In 1689, when the castle was blown up, the chapel was hit. After that it fell into ruin: the north aisle was demolished in the 18th century, and the vaults and the roof were removed.
The chapel was erected as a pilgrimage site for Werner, a boy from Oberwesel whose death in 1287 was blamed on the Jews based on a false accusation common at the time. The accusation led to attacks on Jewish communities along the Rhine and Moselle. The cult of Werner was removed from the diocesan calendar in 1963.
Since 1996, a plaque beside the ruin has commemorated these crimes against the Jews, with a prayer of Pope John XXIII. It is a place of remembrance: it's worth reading the plaque calmly and visiting in silence.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
By day, on the way to the castle. Late in the afternoon, the light streams through the pierced Gothic windows.
How to get there
On foot, from the church of St. Peter in the centre of Bacharach, via the staircase that climbs to Burg Stahleck, in about 5 minutes.
Tip
The chapel is outdoors and admission is free. Read the memorial plaque next to the ruin before heading to the castle.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Wernerkapelle
Why is the chapel in ruins?
It was damaged in 1689 when French troops blew up Stahleck Castle, and was later abandoned. In the 18th century part was demolished and the roof removed.
What does the memorial plaque say?
It commemorates the persecution of the Jews caused by the false accusation linked to the death of Werner in 1287, accompanied by a prayer from Pope João XXIII.
Do you have to pay to visit?
No. The ruin is outdoors on the route to the castle, and entry is free.