Kirche St. Hippolytus

The Kirche St. Hippolytus in Troisdorf-Mitte is the Roman Catholic parish church and one of the central places of worship in the town. With a ecclesiastical tradition of more than 1,000 years it ranks among the most historically significant sacred buildings in Troisdorf. The present building goes back to a neo-Gothic church of 1863/64 that was extended in 1898 and comprehensively remodelled in 1963/64 according to plans by the Cologne architect Karl Band. Choir and tower were retained while the nave was newly built. The church houses valuable furnishings such as the Romanesque baptismal font from the 12th century and the Troisdorf Madonna. At Christmas time the large root nativity attracts numerous visitors. Beside the church the community centre Hippolytushaus and the family centre Hippolytusgarten were built between 2018 and 2020. The church is a living place of faith and encounter and invites visitors to come and look around.

History of Kirche St. Hippolytus

The history of the Kirche St. Hippolytus dates back to the 11th century. Archbishop Anno II of Cologne granted the church in Troisdorf with the parish estate and a tenth of the revenues to the abbey of Siegburg founded in 1064. The rare dedication to Saint Hippolytus of Rome is explained by links to the Ursuline convent in Cologne. The oldest documented church stood next to the present site and was already in danger of collapse around 1770. In 1854 it was closed by the building authorities. Until 1864 the community made do with a barn and a private house. In 1863/64 a neo-Gothic three-aisled building was erected and consecrated at the end of 1864. An extension followed in 1898 because of the growing congregation. The church survived the Second World War largely undamaged. In 1963/64 a fundamental rebuilding took place according to plans by Karl Band: choir and tower were retained while the congregation space was newly constructed. The foundation stone of 1963 contains Roman relics and documents. Since 2016 Hermann Josef Zeyen has been parish priest. The church belongs to the Catholic Parish Community of Troisdorf.

Highlights of Kirche St. Hippolytus

The highlights of the Kirche St. Hippolytus include the historic furnishings and special installations. Beneath the organ loft stands the Romanesque baptismal font of trachyte from the 12th century, the oldest piece of the church’s equipment. In the left side niche is the Troisdorf Madonna. The large bronze cross in the nave was created in 1967 by Helge Kühnapfel. The church windows were made in 1964 to designs by Hans Lünenborg and show symbols of Christ and Mary. On the southern long side a memorial with the relief “The Death of Saint Joseph” by Karl Menser (1928) commemorates the victims of war and tyranny. At Christmas the large root nativity is set up: with around 1,700 roots, more than 100 figures and an area of almost 100 square metres it ranks among the largest and most unusual in the Archdiocese of Cologne. The foundation stone of 1963 is freely displayed under the loft and carries inscriptions as well as a wooden sculpture of the parish patron. The organ by Rieger Orgelbau (1969) has 37 stops. The neighbouring Hippolytushaus complements the ensemble as a modern community centre.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Kirche St. Hippolytus

The Kirche St. Hippolytus is generally open during the day for visitors and worshippers. Exact opening times depend on the service schedule and can be obtained from the pastoral office. Admission is free. The address is Hippolytusstraße 45, 53840 Troisdorf. By car reach the church via the A 59, exit Troisdorf, and follow signs into the town centre. Parking is available in the surroundings and in multi-storey car parks. By public transport travel to Troisdorf station and walk or take bus lines into the pedestrian zone; the church is centrally located. The pastoral office is at Hippolytusstraße 43. Current service times and events can be found on the website of the parish community. At Christmas special viewing times apply for the root nativity. The church is accessible and invites quiet contemplation.

Attractions Near Kirche St. Hippolytus

Immediately beside the Kirche St. Hippolytus are the Hippolytushaus and the family centre Hippolytusgarten. The pedestrian zone with the city gates, shops and cafés begins nearby. The town hall and further facilities of the town centre are within walking distance. Burg Wissem with the Picture Book Museum, MUSIT and the Portal Wahner Heide is only a few minutes away. The Kunsthaus Troisdorf and further cultural offers complete the programme. The Wahner Heide and Rotter See provide proximity to nature. Bonn and Cologne are well connected. In this way a visit to the church can easily be combined with a town walk and visits to further attractions.