Lonnig: Collegiate Church and Roman History
Accommodation in Lonnig
Lonnig’s local history ranges from Roman settlement to the architectural history of the former collegiate church. The church still shapes the townscape today; its surviving choir was built in the first two decades of the 13th century. This gives local history a clear architectural focus.
File:Lonnig Kirche.jpg
Photo: The original uploader was Historiograf at German Wikipedia . via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Roman Roots and Collegiate History
The Roman settlement began with a Roman villa, that is, an agricultural estate. Remains of buildings have been found repeatedly. Two distinct historical themes therefore coexist in Lonnig: the agricultural character of the Roman villa and the much later architectural history of the collegiate church.
Lonnig is also known as a “Horse-Friendly Community.” This designation adds another facet to the town’s historical associations. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you want Lonnig’s own history to shape your stay, or whether you would also like to explore cultural and landscape themes in the wider travel destination of Mayen-Koblenz.
Cultural Themes in the Wider Travel Destination of Mayen-Koblenz
Other places in the wider travel destination of Mayen-Koblenz tell their own stories. Genovevaburg is one of Mayen’s landmarks; it was built in 1280 by Heinrich von Finstingen, Archbishop of Trier. Sayn offers a different historical perspective: its abbey was founded around 1200, and its abbey church was consecrated in 1202. The exterior paintings dating from around 1255 are considered the best-preserved examples of their kind from the High Middle Ages in Germany. The abbey’s founding, consecration and paintings represent different stages in its history.
The region’s industrial heritage is also represented: Sayner Hütte is an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the only monument in Rhineland-Palatinate to receive this distinction. Following restoration, modern exhibitions and multimedia presentations invite visitors to explore; Sayner Hütte also offers guided tours and creative workshops. Hein’s Mill is the only fully operational one of the 20 mills that once stood in Bendorf and the surrounding area. The mill museum demonstrates and explains the stages of the milling process and the importance of the milling trade in the region.
A special connection can be seen in the churches of St. Medard: in Bendorf, the Protestant and Catholic churches are united under one roof and linked by the so-called ecumenical portal. At the New Museum at Schloss Sayn, Prince Alexander and Princess Gabriela give visitors a private glimpse into the life of their aristocratic family. The museum also has a children’s area where visitors can try on historical costumes.
Gardens, a Volcano Museum and a Cycle Route
Sayn Palace Park offers a contrast to the churches and industrial buildings. Between 1840 and 1850, it was laid out as an English landscape garden by architect Carl Friedrich Thelemann, commissioned by Prince Ludwig Adolf Friedrich zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. Its features include a palace pond with a fountain, winding paths, numerous benches and secluded quiet spots.
Other themes in the wider travel destination range from volcanism to active routes. The Lava-Dome in Mendig is the German Volcano Museum. The Geyser Museum explains how the world’s highest cold-water geyser works across five exhibition areas. The 33-kilometre Vulkanpark Cycle Route runs from Mayen via Mendig, Kretz and Plaidt to Andernach and connects numerous attractions in the Volcano Park; the route is described as leisurely and family-friendly.
You can therefore tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the place that best suits your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Gappenach, Kalt, Welling, Pillig, Vordereifel, Volkesfeld, Rhens, Herresbach.
View the wider travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.
