Constructed in the beginning of the 13th century in late Roman style, today the St. Quirinus basilica is the symbol of Neuss and one of the most important centers of pilgrimage in the Rhine valley. Believers are attracted to Neuss by the relics of St. Quirinus – a Roman officer who in the 2nd century died as a martyr for faith. In 1050 relics were transferred from Rome upon request of mother superior of the local Benedictine nunnery and were kept there. In the 13th century income from pilgrims who experienced the healing power of the relics on them allowed to build a separate church in honour of the saint.
In 1741 the west and east spires of the basilica suffered from fire that started from a lightning. During the reconstruction basilica got a 45-metre-tall dome in baroque style, while a gilded statue of the city’s saint patron St. Quirinus appeared on the eastern tower. On the square in front of the church there is a monument to cardinal Josef Frings – archbishop of Cologne who was born in Neuss. On Saturdays at 11:30 you can listen to organ in the church.