Statue Heiliger Nepomuk

The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, patron saint of bridges and travellers, has been one of the defining landmarks of Rech. For many decades, it has watched over the river and the people of the village from its spot on the Nepomuk Bridge.

As the oldest surviving bridge over the Ahr, it was not only an important transport link but also an impressive testament to regional architectural heritage. The bridge was a place of encounter and togetherness. In 2019, for example, the entire village community gathered on it for a group photograph that impressively documented the solidarity and sense of community among the people of Recher. The devastating floods in 2021 destroyed this historic structure, leaving a painful gap in the village landscape.

Today, we are looking to the future. With the new Ahr Bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, the picturesque wine-growing village of Rech will regain its centrepiece. The new bridge will therefore not only re-establish the connection across the river, but also preserve the memory of times gone by and build a bridge to the future . It will once again be a central hub for gatherings, celebrations and everyday life in Rech – a true symbol of reconstruction in the Ahr Valley.

The statue of Saint Nepomuk will also return to its rightful place once the bridge is completed, thereby preserving an important part of the identity, tradition and history of the wine-growing village.