The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul stands in Niederzell on the island of Reichenau in southern Germany. In 799 Egino, the bishop of Verona, who had retired to a monastery on the island, built the first church here and dedicated it to St. Peter. He died in 802. The original church had a single apse and richly decorated walls.
Around 1080, after two fires, the main structure collapsed. A new Romanesque basilica was built on the original foundations, keeping the original dimensions. The last work on its roof was completed in 1134. The present basilica has no transept.
Ornamental reliefs from the original church remain in the northern aisle. Remains of Carolingian mural paintings exist, though they are not visible. The interior was significantly restructured around 1750 to 1760.
Comments