St Verena's tomb by candlelight
Zurzach is a small spa town on the Rhine, not far from Koblenz. Its heart lies hidden in the vault of the charitable Verena, who settled here in Roman times. According to the legend first set down in the 9th century, she died here in AD 344. Her life story is depicted in twelve plates, from Kaspar Letter, that hang on the high walls of the collegiate chapel.Today there are still pilgrims arriving every day to visit the saint's sarcophagus in the crypt of the church. In keeping with tradition it is mainly women who seek comfort here.
On the tomb brass that dates from 1613, it is possible to make out the image of a young woman with long flowing hair. In her left hand she is holding a comb and in her right a small jug – the utensils St. Verena used when caring for the sick. In a niche on the wall there are a couple of “Schäppeli”, embossed traditional bonnets. There are the remnants of an old tradition amongst young brides, bringing their maiden bonnets to St. Verena. In the early Middle Ages, thanks to the cultus of Verena, Zurzach became a popular place of pilgrimage with important markets and influential fairs.
Legend
opening times :
unrestricted, guided tour by prior inscription: tourist information pho +41 (0) 56/249 24 00
access :car, bus, train, bicycle
Bad Zurzach Tourismus
Quellenstrasse 1
CH-5330 Bad Zurzach
pho +41 (0) 56/249 24 00
Mon.-Fri. pho.: 8h-12h, 13.30h-18h
Mon.-Fri. counter: 9h-12h, 14h-17.30h
www.badzurzach.ch
Trips:
Thermes
Late Roman keep
Roman fort and other remnants from the roman era
Market Halls
Legend