The Basilica of St. Laurentius in Elberfeld, completed in 1835, remains Wuppertal’s most significant Roman Catholic church. After the Reformation, it became the second Catholic church in Elberfeld, following the medieval church at Turmhof. Dedicated to St. Laurentius, the city’s patron saint, it preserves the heritage of the original town church, now the Old Reformed Church.
In 1828, Pastor Stephan Oberrhé initiated plans for constructing a new church to meet the community’s growing needs. The congregation, after careful deliberation, purchased the Osterfeld west of the city as the construction site. On August 10, 1828, Cologne Auxiliary Bishop Karl Adalbert Freiherr von Beyer laid the foundation stone. However, despite their determination, significant technical and financial challenges delayed progress, causing the church to open only on November 8, 1835. Ultimately, Archbishop Johannes von Geissel consecrated the church on July 11, 1847.
From May 1845 to March 1849, Adolph Kolping, a prominent social reformer, served as chaplain to the parish. Today, visitors can view a bone fragment relic of Kolping in a side altar. Additionally, a memorial plaque at the rectory commemorates his influential work.
However, tragedy struck during an air raid on June 24–25, 1943, when incendiary bombs destroyed the church and its furnishings. The congregation, despite the devastation, began reconstruction promptly and held a Christmas service in 1949. Nonetheless, restoration continued until 1974, gradually returning the church to its former glory.
Between 2007 and 2009, the church underwent extensive vault renovations to enhance its structural stability. Consequently, the community celebrated its reopening on May 9, 2009, with a pontifical Mass led by Cardinal Joachim Meisner.
Finally, in December 2013, Pope Francis elevated St. Laurentius to a minor basilica. Today, it stands as a resilient symbol of faith and dedication, continuing to inspire worshippers and visitors alike.
How to Reach the Basilica of St. Laurentius in Elberfeld by Air, Rail, and Bus
By Air
The nearest airports to Wuppertal are Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).
From Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): Take a direct train from the airport station to Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 30 minutes.
From Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): You can take a train from Köln/Bonn Flughafen to Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, with a transfer in Cologne or Düsseldorf. The journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
By Rail
Wuppertal is well connected by rail to several major cities.
From Düsseldorf: Regional trains run frequently from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof to Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
From Cologne: Trains from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof take about 45 minutes.
From Other Cities: Wuppertal is accessible via long-distance ICE and IC trains, connecting it to cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin.
Once you arrive at Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, the basilica is about a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi for a quicker route.
By Bus
Local Buses: From Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, take local buses (e.g., line 620 or 639) that go to Laurentiusplatz or nearby stops. The basilica is a short walk from these bus stops.
Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus and other long-distance buses arrive at Wuppertal’s central bus station (ZOB), located next to the Hauptbahnhof. You can then use a local bus or taxi to reach the basilica.
With convenient access from major transport hubs, the Basilica of St. Laurentius is easy to reach by air, rail, and bus.
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