St. Foillan鈥檚 Church, Aachen
The pedestrian zone in the heart of Aachen houses the parish church of Saint Foillan. This is the only church in the German-speaking world that is dedicated to this Irish saint (also known as Faelan, Feuillien, Faolan, Foelan, Feuillen de Fosses, or Pholien), which in itself is an indication that the proselytization of the Aachen area came from the west.
At some point, the expansion of nearby Aachen Cathedral brought the two temples close together, separated only by a narrow alley. The first church on this site, bearing the same name, was built around 1180 (one of the oldest parish churches in the city). Erected in its place three-nave Gothic temple was consecrated in 1482; some parts of it have survived to this day.
The current church retains very little of its original appearance; only fragments of the choir, parts of the fa莽ade and few other features have survived. The rest of the fa莽ade, much as the church's tower, date from 1888 or later. A bomb attack in 1944 almost completely destroyed the building.
From 1956 to 1958, the church was reconstructed, during which the preserved Gothic parts were reassembled using the latest construction technology.
The main eye-catcher on the inside, found in the middle of the choir, is the altar from 1962, made of blue stone. The surrounding relief depicts 32 scenes from the story of Salvation. Above the altar is a large bronze crucifix with enamel coating (also from 1962) with the scenes of Crucifixion on the front and the Lamb of God on the back. Among the most notable sculptures at Saint Foillan is the Beautiful (or Soft-) style Madonna, made in 1410 and named so for its distinctively soft, elegant forms.
At some point, the expansion of nearby Aachen Cathedral brought the two temples close together, separated only by a narrow alley. The first church on this site, bearing the same name, was built around 1180 (one of the oldest parish churches in the city). Erected in its place three-nave Gothic temple was consecrated in 1482; some parts of it have survived to this day.
The current church retains very little of its original appearance; only fragments of the choir, parts of the fa莽ade and few other features have survived. The rest of the fa莽ade, much as the church's tower, date from 1888 or later. A bomb attack in 1944 almost completely destroyed the building.
From 1956 to 1958, the church was reconstructed, during which the preserved Gothic parts were reassembled using the latest construction technology.
The main eye-catcher on the inside, found in the middle of the choir, is the altar from 1962, made of blue stone. The surrounding relief depicts 32 scenes from the story of Salvation. Above the altar is a large bronze crucifix with enamel coating (also from 1962) with the scenes of Crucifixion on the front and the Lamb of God on the back. Among the most notable sculptures at Saint Foillan is the Beautiful (or Soft-) style Madonna, made in 1410 and named so for its distinctively soft, elegant forms.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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St. Foillan鈥檚 Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Foillan鈥檚 Church
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Aachen, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Aachen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Aachen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Aachen Introduction Walking Tour
The area that is now home to Aachen has been occupied since at least Neolithic times. The mineral springs have drawn people here for eons, and historians have found evidence of settlements from the Bronze and Iron Ages. In those days, the area was settled by the Celtic peoples. They probably came here to worship Grannus, god of light and healing.
The Romans built the town as a spa resort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The Romans built the town as a spa resort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Aachen's Historical Buildings Tour
Evolved from an ancient Roman settlement, Aachen is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Germany. At one time it served as the capital of Holy Roman Empire. Today's Aachen is just a small city yet with a very rich history and stunning architecture. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, some of its historical buildings have survived to our days courtesy of the strenuous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles