St. Nicholas Church with Quirinus Chapel in Millen (D)

Millen is a small, but historically significant church village in the municipality of Selfkant (Germany), near the border with Nieuwstadt and Sittard. Millen has a rich past itself, but it has also played its own role in history for the Netherlands.
The same is true for the region and the municipality to which this westernmost village of Germany belongs. The Roode Beek, which now flows alongside Millen but historically trickled right through the village, has formed a state border since 1815.
After the defeat of Napoleon, Millen was divided, causing the village and its castle to be separated from each other ever since. On April 29, 1949, Selfkant, and thus Millen, was annexed by the Netherlands.
This Dutch period lasted until August 1, 1963, when Selfkant was returned to Germany. On the right bank of the Roode Beek stands a special church, whose interior is particularly valuable.
This St. Nicholas Church was originally an early Romanesque hall church built with limestone and is dedicated to St. Nicholas. The church used to belong to the old Castle Millen, of which only the ruins of the castle tower remain.
The Church of St. Nicholas is one of the most valuable buildings in the region in terms of art history. It is unique because it has largely remained unchanged in form despite several alterations. The choir and the apse date back to around the year 1000.
Today, the exterior of the church is predominantly Romanesque, while the interior is characterized by extensive stucco work on the walls and ceilings, primarily from the 17th century. Due to the relics of St. Quirinus, who is also the namesake, Millen already appeared in 1126 as a place of pilgrimage.
The new Castle Millen was built in the seventeenth century about a hundred meters from the old castle. The new castle is not open to visitors, but can be seen from the road. The ruins of the old castle can particularly be seen partially in winter.

Tourist Board South Limburg (Visit Zuid-Limburg)