St. Peter und Paul

In the charming town of Eltville am Rhein, nestled amidst the vineyards and rolling hills of Hessen, Germany, stands the magnificent St. Peter und Paul Church. This architectural gem, with its rich history and stunning features, beckons visitors from near and far to explore its storied past and admire its artistic treasures.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Peter und Paul

The origins of St. Peter und Paul Church trace back to the 10th century, with archaeological discoveries revealing remnants of an early ecclesiastical structure. By the 12th century, the site had evolved into a Romanesque church, evidenced by a slender round column supporting the gallery in the main nave. However, as Eltville rose to prominence as an archiepiscopal residence in the 14th century, the existing church no longer sufficed, prompting the construction of the current edifice.

Financial support for the new church came from various quarters, including the Mainz Cathedral Chapter and local nobility, with indulgences granted in 1352 or 1353 further aiding the endeavor. Construction likely commenced in 1305, with the choir ready for use by 1359. Initially, the church was a single-nave hall, utilizing the tower from its Romanesque predecessor. However, a miraculous event in 1400 spurred the addition of a southern aisle, transforming the church into a two-nave hall to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Splendor

The church's west tower, a defining feature of the Eltville skyline, was added around 1420. Designed by a student of the renowned Frankfurt master builder Madern Gerthener, the tower is adorned with intricate late Gothic ornamentation. The west portal, bearing the coat of arms of Archbishop Konrad von Dhaun, echoes Gerthener's work on other significant ecclesiastical structures.

A lightning strike in 1683 led to a fire that destroyed the original Gothic spire, which was replaced in 1686 with a Baroque dome crafted by Mainz cathedral architect Veit Schneider. The current roof, with its elegant roof turret, dates back to 1783, following another fire the previous year.

Inside St. Peter und Paul: A Journey Through Time

Visitors stepping into St. Peter und Paul are greeted by a wealth of artistic treasures. Notable are the late Gothic wall paintings, including a heraldic frieze above the triumphal arch and a meticulously preserved depiction of the Last Judgment by a Middle Rhine master, dating back to around 1400. These artworks, hidden under layers of paint until their rediscovery in 1961, offer a captivating glimpse into the church's medieval past.

The church is also home to an exquisite baptismal font from 1517, featuring the twelve apostles and Christ as the Judge of the World, attributed to Peter Schro, a student of Hans Backoffen. Other remarkable pieces include two sculptures of the Madonna, one by Schro and another by the so-called Master with the Bib, both dating to the early 16th century.

The Sounds of St. Peter und Paul: Bells and Organs

The church's bell history is as rich as its architecture. Originally equipped with four large bells, the tower's chimes were silenced by fire in 1782. Subsequently, new bells were cast, with the current set completed in 1953, restoring the church's harmonious soundscape.

St. Peter und Paul boasts two organs, including a swallow's nest organ crafted by Louis-Benoît Hooghuys in 1868/69. Though silent since 2015, this organ remains a testament to the church's musical heritage. The main organ, built in 1962 by Förster & Nicolaus, incorporates older registers, ensuring that the church continues to resonate with the sounds of sacred music.

A Living Legacy

Today, St. Peter und Paul serves as the parish church for the St. Peter und Paul Rheingau parish, established in 2016 through the merger of several pastoral areas. This vibrant community, encompassing numerous local churches, ensures that the church remains a vital center of spiritual life and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, St. Peter und Paul in Eltville am Rhein is not merely a church; it is a living tapestry of history, art, and faith. Its walls echo with the stories of centuries past, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the enduring beauty and significance of this remarkable place.