The Basilica of St Castor in Koblenz is the oldest church and one of the most important sights in Koblenz. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Koblenz’s old town centre. The basilica is surrounded by beautiful parks. Here you can see magnificent flowerbeds that bloom all year round, except in winter. We recommend you take a leisurely stroll around the Basilica of St Castor. You will always get new perspectives of the magnificent medieval building. If you like taking photos, you’ll find excellent motifs.
The ‘flower garden’ has two water fountains surrounded by colourful flowerbeds. They are intended to express joie de vivre. To the south of St Castor’s Basilica is the quietest place, the enclosed garden. The ‘Paradise Garden’ is a place surrounded by hedges with selected plants around a water basin. It symbolises purity. Depending on where you stand, you will have different perspectives. Let the atmosphere work its magic on you. Sankt Kastor Koblenz has its origins in the first half of the 9th century. The church took on its present form through construction work in the following centuries. It has been extensively preserved and is a very prominent work of Romanesque architecture. Two high twin towers and a church building almost 60 metres long will impress you. When you enter the basilica, you will feel the tranquillity of the imposing building. Take some time to let the history sink in.
History: St Castor – a place of important European history
The Basilica of St. Castor was the cultural and religious centre of Koblenz in the Middle Ages. German and European history was written here. St Castor’s Abbey was consecrated in 836. It was a meeting point and place of arbitration for kings and emperors. In 842, the negotiations for the division of the Frankish Empire took place here with far-reaching consequences. An Eastern Empire and a Western Empire were created. France and the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation then developed from this. The building in its present form was mainly constructed in the 12th century.
Special tips: Take a walk in the gardens around the Basilica of St Castor in Koblenz
The Basilica of St Castor is not only a place of tranquillity, but also of music. Concerts are held there regularly – in an atmosphere that gets under your skin. The church services in the basilica are also something special. If you have time and interest, it’s worth taking a look at the current programme.
You should definitely take the time to stroll around the gardens surrounding the basilica. Enjoy the beauty of nature in combination with the architectural beauty. If you’re looking for some peace and relaxation from your sightseeing tour of Koblenz, you’ll find it here perfectly.
Surroundings: Many of Koblenz’s top sights nearby
From the Basilica of St Castor, you can quickly reach the German Corner (Deutsches Eck )- a top sight in Koblenz. The Rhine and Moselle flow together at the Deutsches Eck – an impressive location overlooked by the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. From here, the Rhine promenade invites you to take a relaxing stroll. There is a special atmosphere here: ships dock and depart, cafés and restaurants invite you in, beautiful gardens and buildings form a trellis. Enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle. You can also take a boat trip or ride the Koblenz cable car (Seilbahn) to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. If you keep walking, you will come to the imposing Electoral Palace of Koblenz. You can also see a lot here.
