Bonn Minster

Bonn Minster is the main church of Bonn, the former West German capital on the Rhine, and one of the city's oldest landmarks. The Romanesque basilica with its 81-meter crossing tower has dominated Münsterplatz for nearly a thousand years. It holds the graves of Bonn's patron saints, saw two German kings crowned, and has one of the best-preserved Romanesque cloisters north of the Alps. Entry is free, so it is an easy highlight on any walk through Bonn.

Where it is and how to get there

Bonn lies on the Rhine about 30 km south of Cologne. Regional trains from Cologne take around 20 to 30 minutes and are covered by the Deutschlandticket, while Cologne Bonn Airport is a short bus or taxi ride away. From Bonn Hauptbahnhof the Minster is only about a five-minute walk through the pedestrian zone.

History in brief

The site was a Roman burial ground, and according to legend the soldiers Cassius and Florentius were martyred here. A Carolingian collegiate church rose over their graves, and the present building took shape from the 11th century, blending late Romanesque and early Gothic forms. German kings were crowned here in 1314 and 1346, and Pope Pius XII made it a minor basilica in 1956. After a major restoration costing around €22 million, the church reopened on October 31, 2021.

What to see

• The crossing tower: at 81.4 meters, it defines the skyline of downtown Bonn.
• The crypt: home to the tombs of the patron saints Cassius and Florentius.
• Baroque furnishings: two marble altars and a bronze statue of St. Helena.
• The cloister: dating from the 12th century and remarkably complete, with its entrance on Gerhard-von-Are-Straße.
• The bells: a 1756 peal that ranks among the largest surviving Baroque sets of bells.

Opening hours and tours

The basilica is open daily: weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. and Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. (as of October 2026). The cloister keeps shorter hours. Admission is free; one-hour public tours cost €10 for adults and are free for children up to 10. Tours are mainly in German, but an audio guide is available on site. Please avoid sightseeing during services.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. It takes only 30 to 45 minutes, sits right in the center and pairs perfectly with Bonn's Beethoven sights. It is also an easy day trip from Cologne.

Nearby

• Beethoven Monument: the 19th-century statue stands on Münsterplatz.
• Beethoven House: the composer's birthplace, about ten minutes on foot.
• Market Square and Old Town Hall: a Rococo town hall a few steps away.
• Hofgarten and Electoral Palace: now the main building of the University of Bonn.