Altenberg (Bergisches Land)

Altenberg is situated north district of the municipality Odenthal in the Rheinisch - Bergisch district and was the ancient seat of the Counts of Berg. They were able to create their residence in the course of time a territory that was later called Bergisch land.

History

Roman time

Theodor Mommsen mentioned in his " History of Rome " Altenberg as locality: " The altar stone in Altenberg ( circle Mülheim ) found on Dhünnfluß a private person is almost the only evidence of Roman population in these areas. This is the more remarkable, as the blossoming of Cologne, unless special obstacles have stood in the way here, would have been widely supported Roman civilization from itself to the other side. "

Middle Ages

The ruins of the castle mountain in Altenberg is the ancestral home of the notified thereafter Count of Berg. 1133, leaving the Count the square on which stood her old family seat, some originating from Burgundy Cistercian monks there the Altenberg Abbey built, but a few hundred meters further moved to the Dhünn after a short time into the valley. The Count of Berg settled then castle after castle by on the Wupper.

Altenberg Cathedral

In Altenberg still stands, begun in 1259 High Gothic Altenberg Cathedral, the monastery church of the former Abbey of Altenberg, who is called on account of its external view of the cathedral, but never bishopric was. Today, the Altenberg Cathedral is an interdenominational church and is used by both the Protestant and the Catholic church for worship. In addition, there are regular concerts held there.

The cathedral is owned by the State of North Rhine - Westphalia, which also financed the extensive renovation work completed in 2006. On 25 August 2006, a ecumenical service and state ceremony was held at the end of the twelve -year restoration in the presence of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Nikolaus Schneider, president of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, and Jürgen Rüttgers.

Altenberg Cathedral is now also a popular place for weddings. At the World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, he served as catechesis - place for pilgrims. Every year on May 1 Altenberg Altenberg starting point for the light, an international light relay of peace.

Other Facilities

Since 1926 is on the site of the former abbey next to the cathedral, the Youth Education Centre House Altenberg, originally the headquarters of the Catholic Youth in Germany and now an agency of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

In Altenberg is also known as the fairy-tale forest, where many German fairy tales are presented in huts and figures. In an adjacent restaurant, there is a water organ. The Fairytale Forest is a traditional destination for classes and family outings. Also Altenberg is a popular starting point for hikes.

With the SV Altenberg Altenberg the only football club in the municipality of Odenthal at home.