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Church · Koblenz, Renânia-Palatinado
Basilika St. Kastor
The oldest church in Koblenz, consecrated in 836, with a Romanesque façade of four towers, painted vaults and the fountain bearing Napoleon’s inscription in the square in front.
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 Basilika St. Kastor
The basílica de São Castor is a few steps from the Deutsches Eck and is the oldest church in Koblenz. It was founded by Archbishop Hetti of Trier and consecrated in 836 to house the relics of São Castor, who preached in the Mosela region. In 842 the sons of Louis the Pious negotiated there the division of the Carolingian Empire, which led to the Treaty of Verdun the following year.
The current building is Romanesque, from the 12th and 13th centuries, with four towers on the façade and an apse facing the Reno. The interior has Gothic vaults, tombs of the archbishops of Trier and mural paintings. In 1991 it was granted the title of minor basilica by the Pope.
In the square in front stands the Kastorbrunnen, a fountain with one of the city’s most curious inscriptions. In 1812 the French mayor had an inscription carved on it in tribute to Napoleon’s Russian campaign. Two years later, when Russian troops entered Koblenz, the Russian commander added, right below it, a phrase meaning “seen and approved.” Both inscriptions remain.
The basilica garden, between the church and the Reno, was renovated for the 2011 garden exhibition and links the church to the cable car and the Deutsches Eck.
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
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
In the morning, before continuing to the cable car, which departs next door. During Mass services visits are limited.
How to get there
It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Deutsches Eck and 10 minutes from the old town, next to the cable car’s lower station.
Tip
Read the two inscriptions on the Kastorbrunnen, the French one and the Russian one right beneath it: it’s the story of Napoleon in Russia told in two lines.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilika St. Kastor
Which is the oldest church in Koblenz?
The basílica de São Castor, consecrated in 836. The building seen today is Romanesque, from the 12th and 13th centuries.
What is Napoleon's inscription on the São Castor fountain?
In 1812 the French engraved on the fountain a homage to Napoleon's campaign in Russia. In 1814 the Russian commander who occupied the town added, just below, a phrase of 'seen and approved.'
Is the basílica de São Castor near the cable car?
Yes. The lower station of the cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress is next to the basilica's garden.