The Wolfskreuz is a stone wayside cross located in the Kottenforst between the Bonn district of Röttgen and the Wachtberg district of Villiprott. It is situated a few meters off the path along Villiper Allee. The cross was donated in the 18th century by Franz Joseph Graf Wolff-Metternich zu Gracht, a Secret Councilor to the Elector who served under Elector Clemens August.
The cross features four wolf paws as part of the Wolff-Metternich coat of arms, which also includes a wolf and a jester's collar. It is also known as the Jakobskreuz, a name referring to a previous wooden cross dedicated to the Apostle Jacobus. The stone cross displays various symbols, including a sacrificial lamb at the center as a symbol of the Resurrection and a jubilant lark at the top.
On one narrow side of the cross, the intricately intertwined monogram of the Count is featured. The other narrow side displays the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order. The cross is a listed historic monument.
Today, the site serves as a resting place for travelers. Seating is located directly at the Wolfskreuz, providing a place to pause while traveling between Röttgen and Villiprott.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Aurora
Discuss this with the author and others
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation.