St. Donatus parish church
The parish church of St. Donatus Martyr, affectionately known as "Brander Dom" by the people of Branden, has existed in its present form since it was rebuilt in 1880/83. However, the history of the church goes back much further, to 1760/61, when a smaller chapel was built on the opposite side of the street for the local faithful. A visit to the 55 m high, three-aisled hall church is worthwhile due to the numerous church treasures, such as the Wendelinus reliquary from 1897 or the choir church windows from 1952/1954 with colorful stained glass windows.
St. Vincent Chapel
The small chapel in Niederforstbach was built in 1756 in gratitude for being spared from earthquakes. The Wendelinus altar from 1863, which originally came from the Brander parish church, is remarkable.
Situated on the old pilgrimage route to Kornelimünster, the chapel is still lovingly maintained by local residents. During Advent, the chapel houses a beautiful nativity scene.
Bridge viaduct of the Vennbahn
The viaduct was opened for the Vennbahn in 1884 and spans the scenic Rollefbach Valley. Today, a long-distance cycle path along the disused railroad line from Aachen to Luxembourg also leads over the viaduct with its wonderful views.
The Brander bull
The Brander Stier was erected on the market square in 1976 on the initiative of the citizens' association. It is no coincidence that the bronze colossus by sculptor Prof. Karl-Henning Seemann expresses bursting strength and irrepressible will. This landmark of the district impressively embodies the "bull-like" local patriotism of the people of Branden.
One anecdote tells of how, during the reign of the imperial abbey of Kornelimünster, the farmers of Branden sent their pigs to fatten in the abbey woods, even though the abbot at the time had forbidden acorn fattening in his territory. The people of Branden rebelled against their sovereign, tried out civil disobedience and actually succeeded: The Imperial Chamber Court ruled in favor of the subjects and the pigs could continue to gorge themselves on acorns in the autumnal forest.
For driving with the modder to the fire
Who still knows today that in the 19th century, Brander Heide was the venue for widely acclaimed horse races? Not only in German equestrian sport, but also internationally, Brander Heide was known in relevant horse racing circles as far away as Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and London. In addition to their stay at the spa and gambling in Aachen, the aristocracy and well-heeled bourgeoisie attended the races. But the common people of Aachen did not miss out on these events either and flocked to Brand in droves.
The Brand "national anthem" "Vür fahre met de Modder noh dr Brand" can therefore be understood in connection with these horse races, which were attended by many Aacheners. Cast in bronze with child and cone by Bonifatius Stirnberg, "de Modder" today in front of the Sparkasse Trierer Straße reminds us of old times.