St. Cecilia – Schnütgen Museum

A Romanesque basilica that today houses the Schnütgen Museum of medieval art – a sacred space and museum in one.

Romanesque church Medieval art Rainy day

St. Cecilia is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches – and at the same time a museum: since 1956 the towerless pier basilica has housed the Schnütgen Museum of medieval art.

Source: Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-24

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At a glance

Style: Romanesque (Hohenstaufen era)
Location: Cäcilienstraße, near Neumarkt
Today: Schnütgen Museum (medieval art)
Notable: a church interior as an atmospheric exhibition space

Art in a church interior

The church originally belonged to a convent founded in the 9th century. Today medieval sculptures, stained glass and goldsmiths' work take on a special power within the Romanesque space. The Schnütgen Museum is part of the Kulturquartier on Neumarkt and combines well with the neighbouring Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum.