Which personality is represented by the ghostly-looking sculpture in Minoritenstraße, many passers-by will think.
However, Johann Adam Schall von Bell from Cologne is one of the most important figures in shared Chinese-European history, who embarked on an unparalleled career as an astronomer, mathematician, theologian and advisor at the imperial court of China.
Born in 1592 to a noble family from the Electorate of Cologne, he studied science and theology in Rome, where he joined the Jesuit order. In 1618, he travelled to China with a group of missionaries, where he not only worked to spread the Catholic faith, but also studied the natural sciences and the Chinese language.
As a result of his scientific work and expertise, he was commissioned by the imperial court to implement the Chinese calendar reform, among other things, and became an important advisor to the imperial court. The honorary titles of "Master of Heavenly Mysteries", "High Councillor", "President of the Imperial Chancellery" and "Imperial Chamberlain" conferred on him illustrate the high esteem in which he was held. This benefited him to the extent that he was the first missionary to build a Catholic church in Peking.
Fate turned for Adam Schall von Bell when he suffered a stroke. Intrigues within the court, which accused Adam Schall von Bell of high treason, as well as opposition to his person within the Catholic Church itself, took advantage of his weakening due to illness. An earthquake that occurred in China before the execution of the judgement was interpreted as a heavenly sign of innocence and led to his acquittal at court. Marked by the illness, Adam Schall von Bell succumbed shortly afterwards before the church trial was concluded. However, Adam Schall von Bell did not return to Europe anyway. The Cologne Jesuit found his final resting place in a magnificent grave in Beijing.
The sculpture of the "Master of Heavenly Mysteries" was donated in his memory by the German-Chinese Society e.V. and created by sculptor Werner Stötzer in 1992. It commemorates an outstanding personality who made a great career far from home.
However, Johann Adam Schall von Bell from Cologne is one of the most important figures in shared Chinese-European history, who embarked on an unparalleled career as an astronomer, mathematician, theologian and advisor at the imperial court of China.
Born in 1592 to a noble family from the Electorate of Cologne, he studied science and theology in Rome, where he joined the Jesuit order. In 1618, he travelled to China with a group of missionaries, where he not only worked to spread the Catholic faith, but also studied the natural sciences and the Chinese language.
As a result of his scientific work and expertise, he was commissioned by the imperial court to implement the Chinese calendar reform, among other things, and became an important advisor to the imperial court. The honorary titles of "Master of Heavenly Mysteries", "High Councillor", "President of the Imperial Chancellery" and "Imperial Chamberlain" conferred on him illustrate the high esteem in which he was held. This benefited him to the extent that he was the first missionary to build a Catholic church in Peking.
Fate turned for Adam Schall von Bell when he suffered a stroke. Intrigues within the court, which accused Adam Schall von Bell of high treason, as well as opposition to his person within the Catholic Church itself, took advantage of his weakening due to illness. An earthquake that occurred in China before the execution of the judgement was interpreted as a heavenly sign of innocence and led to his acquittal at court. Marked by the illness, Adam Schall von Bell succumbed shortly afterwards before the church trial was concluded. However, Adam Schall von Bell did not return to Europe anyway. The Cologne Jesuit found his final resting place in a magnificent grave in Beijing.
The sculpture of the "Master of Heavenly Mysteries" was donated in his memory by the German-Chinese Society e.V. and created by sculptor Werner Stötzer in 1992. It commemorates an outstanding personality who made a great career far from home.
Good to know
Eligibility
Suitable for any weather
for individual guests
Payment Options
Entrance Free
Directions & Parking facilities
The sculpture is within walking distance of Cologne Central Station.
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