The Basilica of St. Mary in Kevelaer, Germany, serves as a prominent pilgrimage church. Builders completed the structure between 1858 and 1864, and in 1923, the Vatican elevated it to the status of a papal basilica. The church honors the "Assumption of Mary into Heaven," symbolizing the goal of earthly pilgrimage. Pilgrims who visit the basilica reflect on their spiritual journey and consider their final destination.
The church also features a remarkable painting by Friedrich Stummel, which follows the "biblia pauperum" concept. This idea allows pilgrims to meditate on key moments from salvation history, the Christian faith, and liturgical practices. Through this, visitors find a chance to rest spiritually and deepen their connection to the sacred. The basilica’s many ornaments avoid redundancy and contribute to its aesthetic beauty. Additionally, the color palette of the church draws inspiration from the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere.
Vincenz Statz, the Cologne cathedral master builder, played an essential role in the church’s design. He completed the nave and transepts by 1864. However, the towering structure, reaching over 90 meters, was finished two decades later. Still, this tower became a striking symbol of the basilica’s grand vision.
In addition, the basilica hosts major pilgrim services, where people gather for prayer, reflecting the community practices described in the Acts of the Apostles. The idea of building such a church began in 1854 under the leadership of Johann Bernhard Brinkmann. Statz’s plans combined confession chapels with a large pilgrimage church, which finally materialized in 1857. By 1864, the basilica had finished construction, fulfilling a vision that continues to draw pilgrims today.
How to Reach the Basilica of St. Mary, Kevelaer, Germany
Airways:
The Nearest Major Airport to Kevelaer is Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), located about 70 kilometers from the Basilica of St. Mary. From the airport, you can reach Kevelaer by taxi, which takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, take a train from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof to Kevelaer, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Railways:
Kevelaer has its own train station, Kevelaer Bahnhof, which is well-connected to the regional and national rail network. From Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, you can take a direct train to Kevelaer, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at Kevelaer station, the Basilica is a short walk of about 10 minutes.
Roadways:
Kevelaer is accessible by bus from nearby towns and cities. If you are traveling from Geldern, the Kevelaer bus station is well connected and only 20 minutes away. From Krefeld, it takes approximately 50 minutes by bus to reach Kevelaer.
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