Heljekerch (Heiligenkirche) at Bockenheim

Holy Church

 

Location: Gross and Klein Bockenheim are located north and slightly west of Gruenstadt and Frankenthal, both west of Heidelberg. The Bockenheims are at the edge of the Rhine rift valley, and are wine producing villages.

 

The Steigelgasse or Steep Alley leads up from Grossbockenheim to the Petersberg (St. Peter’s Hill) above Klein Bockenheim.

 

The history of this site goes back to the hermit, Phillip of Zell, who founded a chapel here during the 8^th century, at what is thought to have been a pagan sacred well. The first recorded church was mentioned in 1496 and was dedicated to the Apostle Peter, with altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Katherine.

 

The special qualities of the water became famous. Water was piped into the chapel and a stone sarcophagus was used for bathing. The water was also shipped to other localities. A wine village along the Moselle sent a barrel of wine to Bockenheim with the understanding that the barrel would be returned filled with holy water.

 

The chapel was destroyed in 1689 by French troops under General Melac. However, pilgrimages continued to the ruins. The present chapel on the site is actually the crypt of the original chapel. The pilgrimages continue, and this summer the chapel received a new figure of the Madonna.

 

The chapel is in the vineyards above the Rhine valley. The view up and down the wide valley, including the great cathedral of Worms, is well worth the steep climb.