Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Regensburg

Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Regensburg

The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, also known as the Old Chapel, holds a significant place in the religious and architectural history of Regensburg. As the oldest Catholic place of worship in Bavaria, it stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage.

The basilica is part of an ancient abbey that was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and founded by Emperor Henry II, who reigned over the Holy Roman Empire in 1002. The collegiate church, along with its smaller basilica, has played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the community throughout the centuries. Its historical importance and architectural grandeur make it one of the most prominent churches in Regensburg.

The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady is known for its Baroque style, which was predominantly developed in the 18th century. It stands as a masterpiece of rococo decoration in Europe, reflecting the influence of the renowned Wessobrunn School. The elaborate and ornate features of the basilica's interior exemplify the opulence and artistic prowess of the rococo period.

The origins of the basilica date back to the time of Charlemagne, who ordered the construction of a chapel on the site. Legend has it that the chapel was built upon the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Juno. This early chapel, constructed after the decline of the Western Roman Empire, is believed to be the oldest in Bavaria, earning it the nickname the "Old Chapel."

In 1964, Bishop Rudolf Graber proposed the elevation of the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Old Chapel to a smaller basilica status, an honor granted by Pope Paul VI. This recognition further solidified the basilica's significance within the Catholic Church.

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Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady on Map

Sight Name: Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady
Sight Location: Regensburg, Germany (See walking tours in Regensburg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Regensburg, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Regensburg

Create Your Own Walk in Regensburg

Creating your own self-guided walk in Regensburg 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.
Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Meandering through the Old Town of Regensburg, it’s easy to forget that some 1800 years ago most of this area was occupied by a Roman fortress. Although the first settlement here dates from as early as the Stone Age, it is the Romans who put it firmly on the map.

Around 90 AD, they first built an expeditionary and then a permanent military camp called Castra Regina ("Fortress by the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Regensburg Introduction Walking Tour

Regensburg Introduction Walking Tour

"The jewel of Bavaria," as some affectionately refer to it, the German city of Regensburg is the biggest medieval site north of the Alps. Although its history spans nearly 2,000 years, here, the past does not seem like a distant memory and its weight blends seamlessly with the pulse of modern life.

The precursor to Regensburg, a military camp called Castra Regina ("Fortress by...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles