Description
History and Blossoms in the Heart of the Old Town
Between the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rises St. Castor’s Basilica, a silent witness to centuries past and at the same time a place that still radiates vitality through its adjacent Flower Courtyard. Located just around 200 meters from the base station of the Koblenz cable car, the church is ideally situated for visitors who wish to explore a piece of history after their ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The Liebfrauenkirche and the famous Deutsches Eck are also located in the immediate vicinity.
Here, sacred architecture, fragrant flowers, and the unique charm of Koblenz’s old town blend into a harmonious experience. In the shadow of the mighty towers, well-kept paths, colorful flower beds, and quiet benches invite visitors to pause and take in the atmosphere. Especially in summer, the Flower Courtyard unfolds its full splendor, offering an idyllic retreat in the historic heart of the city. It is precisely this contrast that gives the site its special appeal, history, spirituality, and garden art in perfect harmony.
Recommendation: Especially in spring and summer, you shouldn’t miss the Flower Courtyard behind St. Castor’s Basilica, when it's in full bloom.
A Glimpse Inside St. Kastor Basilica
The interior of St. Castor Basilica impresses with its simple Romanesque architecture and its striking sense of space. Particularly remarkable are the massive pillar arcades that draw the eye toward the high chancel. The two distinctive west towers rise about 40 meters into the sky, shaping the skyline of Koblenz. In the chancel, the Gothic ribbed vault captures the visitor's attention, while beautifully crafted frescoes and stained-glass windows depict scenes from the life of Saint Castor. The baroque high altar, along with several elaborately carved tomb slabs and epitaphs, also tells of the church's long history and its importance as both a religious and political center.
In the Flower Courtyard of St. Castor Basilica: A Bust of Color in the Heart of Koblenz
The Flower Garden behind the basilica forms a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Lovingly designed flowerbeds alternate with old trees and well-kept lawns. Especially in spring and summer, colorful perennials and roses bloom here, creating a charming contrast with the historic stone walls. Among the plants, visitors can discover sculptures and stone reliefs that reflect the history of the basilica and the city of Koblenz. Small benches invite you to pause and linger, while the gentle scent of blossoms and the soft ringing of church bells create an almost meditative atmosphere.
Historical Information
Where history, faith, and nature come together
The origins of St. Castor's Basilica date back to the year 817 AD, when it was founded under Archbishop Hetti of Trier. This makes it the oldest preserved church building in Koblenz. Over the centuries, it has served not only as a religious center but also as a stage for important historical events, including imperial assemblies in the 9th century that helped shape the political course of Europe.
In the 12th century, the church received its characteristic Romanesque appearance, which has been largely preserved to this day. In 1991, it was elevated by Pope John Paul II to the rank of a “Basilica minor”, a special honor recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance.
The Flower Courtyard surrounding the basilica was added in later centuries and carefully restored during the urban redevelopment around the Deutsches Eck. Today, it forms a harmonious ensemble where history, faith, and nature come together in an inspiring way.
How to get there
St. Castor’s Basilica with the Flower Courtyard is located in the heart of Koblenz’s old town.
By car: Parking is available nearby, for example at the "Rhein-Mosel-Halle" parking garage.
By public transport: From Koblenz Central Station, take bus lines 1 or 5 to the stop “Deutsches Eck / Basilika St. Kastor”.
On foot: The basilica is situated right in the middle of the old town and can easily be reached within a few minutes’ walk.