Enger - Stiftskirche

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here, behind the altar in the back, stands the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent to Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not appearing to Charlemagne´s court in Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks, opposing christianisation. 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either.

The church we see today, was built between the 12th and the 14th century. The transept and the choir being romanesque. Archeologists found out, that two church-buildings have been here before. The oldest dating back into the 9th century.