The world-famous Altenberg Cathedral, often called the Bergisch Cathedral, is the church of the former Cistercian Abbey of Altenberg (1133–1803) and today serves as the parish church of the Catholic Parish of St. Mary’s Assumption, Altenberg.

The church was built between 1259 and 1379 following French models, as a towerless transept basilica with an ambulatory and ring of chapels. After a fire in 1815, it was rebuilt from 1833 to 1847. Since 1857, by order of the Prussian King, it has been used simultaneously by Protestant Christians.

Altenberg is a district of Odenthal, located between Bergisch Gladbach and Leverkusen in North Rhine-Westphalia, about 20 km northeast of Cologne on the river Dhünn, a tributary of the Wupper. The distance from PHÖNIX is about 65 km.

Opening hours:

The Altenberg Cathedral is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

You may visit the cathedral during the day without a guided tour, but we kindly ask you to respect the dignity of the place, avoid loud talking, and not disturb those in prayer.

On Sundays, you can combine your visit with a church service or a performance by the Altenberg Cathedral Choir. We recommend attending the Catholic Mass or the Protestant service. Please note that during a church service or musical performance, walking around the cathedral is not permitted. Service times can be found here.

Admission: Free