Apollinaris Church Remagen

The Apollinaris Church in Remagen has been enthroned high above the Rhine for almost two centuries. Visitors can spot the neo-Gothic towers from the riverside promenade. And hardly anyone can resist the impulse to climb the steep Apollinarisberg. Whether you love pilgrimage tradition, art treasures or simply the magnificent view: This “Rhine gold” belongs on every bucket list. Read why a detour to the Apollinaris Church in Remagen is a must during your stay in the **Holiday apartmentOberwinter**.

Short story: From Roman times to Romanticism

**From Roman camp to pilgrimage site** – The story begins long before the church was consecrated in 1857. Archaeologists found the foundations of a Roman watchtower; later, a St. Martin’s Chapel was built, which became a destination for medieval pilgrims. When Prussian Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV visited the chapel, which was in need of renovation, in 1836, he ordered a completely new building in the *neo-Gothic* style that was fashionable at the time. Star architect **Ernst Friedrich Zwirner**, famous for Cologne Cathedral, combined Rhenish brick Gothic with French tracery elements. You can see the result today: three pointed spire towers, colorful stained glass windows and an 800 m² sequence of frescoes by Düsseldorf Nazarene painter **Ernst Deger** – they tell the legend of St. Apollinaris in a blaze of color. Since its inauguration, the faithful have made a pilgrimage to the “Apollinaris Pilgrimage” every July, which will take place from **July 19 to 27** in 2025 [2].

Art & architecture to marvel at

Architectural highlights & art treasures
Fresco cycle (1850-52): 24 monumental scenes painted on dry plaster. Deger used brilliant mineral colors that have hardly had to be restored to this day.
Reliquary (13th century): Gilded silver casket with the bones of St. Apollinaris, on public display during the pilgrimage week.
Pietra Dura altar: Italian inlay technique with semi-precious stones – a unique piece on the Rhine.
Neo-Gothic pulpit: With carved vine and hop tendrils, a tribute to the Rhine and Ahr winegrowers.

Visitor tips & service

Practical information: Opening hours, admission & arrival
Opening hours 2025: daily 9 am – 6 pm, Sundays and public holidays only from 12 noon due to church services [1]. The interior may be closed at short notice during pilgrimage and concert times – check the schedule in advance.
Admission: free; donation box at the exit (€2 per person recommended).
Guided tours: Saturdays 2 pm & by arrangement; duration 60 min.; € 5 p. p.
Parking: 30 free spaces at Apollinarisberg; alternative: parking lot *Am Schwanenteich* (10 min. walk).
Public transport: RE 5 or RB 26 to Remagen Bhf.; from there 20 min. ascent or line 851 to Apollinarisberg stop.
Accessibility: south portal with ramp; lift to main nave planned from autumn 2025.

View & Photography

Rhine view de luxe: photo hotspots around the church
1. South terrace: the widest panoramic view of the Erpeler Ley, the Siebengebirge and the glistening river – ideal for sunsets.
2. north-west promenade: frame the west tower in the foreground as goods ships pass by – perfect subject for long exposures.
3rd rose garden: pastel-colored Instagram shots are created among fragrant roses in spring.
4th Apollinarisweg: The serpentines offer “leading lines” for dramatic wide-angle perspectives.

Tip: Combine the photo stop with a walk along the [RheinBurgenWeg](https://ferienwohnung-oberwinter.de/blog/rheinburgenweg); the Remagen→Rolandsbogen stage starts directly below the mountain.

Events & enjoyment

Event calendar & culinary combinations
St. James’ Market (July 20, 2025): Arts and crafts & street food stalls on the church plateau [2].
Night of Lights (Fri. before the start of the pilgrimage): 2,000 candles light up the walls.
St. Apollinaris pilgrimage procession with reliquary [3].
Rhine in Flames Koblenz (Aug 9, 2025): Combine the day trip with the evening fireworks – regional train back stops in Remagen.

Hungry? Then visit the brewery *Remagener Hof* on the banks of the Rhine (home-brewed cellar beer & tarte flambée) or treat yourself to an ice cream at the *Bacco* café on the Rhine promenade – both just a 15-minute walk away.

Conclusion & call-to-action

Conclusion: The Apollinariskirche Remagen is much more than just a pretty church tower – it combines history, art and panorama in an excursion that fits well into any Middle Rhine schedule. From the **Holiday apartment Oberwinter** you can reach the high plateau in 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bike via the Rhine riverside cycle path. Pack your camera, a small picnic and discover this spiritual place of power.