Cologne - Alt St. Maternus

Alt St. Maternus, located in the former village of Rodenkirchen, is named "Kapppelchen " (the chapel) localy. It sits on a rocky outcrop directly on the banks of the Rhine. The foundations date back to the 10th century, but there are traces of an even earlier Christian church here. St. Maternus, who was the first Bishop of Cologne, was a patron saint for the fishermen, who dwelled here. He could not save them from the frequent floodings of the Rhine, as even the little church got damaged by the river several times.

The restaurant "Zum Treppchen" (right), was founded in 1656 at the towpath. It was a place, where the horses could be cared for - and the men could have food. In 1820 the building became an inn.