The Luciuskirche in Essen bears the curious distinction of being the oldest parish church north of the Alps. It was built in 995-1063 and was independent of any monastery. The simple Romanesque church has a pleasant atmosphere and has been restored in recent years. Inside are the remains of three frescoes from the 11th century. This church is the daughter church to the much larger Werden Abbey Basilica next door, although the Luciuskirche is older.
