St. Maria Magdalena

In the heart of Geldern, a charming town in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, stands the magnificent St. Maria Magdalena Church, a beacon of history and architectural splendor. This three-nave hall church has been a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for centuries, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and intricate design.

The Historical Beginnings

The origins of St. Maria Magdalena Church can be traced back to the early 14th century. The church was constructed in 1339 as the convent church for the Carmelite monastery, which had been established in Geldern in 1306. Historical records suggest that there might have been an earlier church on this site, dating from the 13th century. An ecclesia Gelrensis infra oppidum is mentioned shortly after 1290, hinting at a precursor to the current structure. The church's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Geldern's development, with the town likely being carved out of the parish of St. Dionysius Nieukerk in the 13th century.

Architectural Evolution

The original structure of St. Maria Magdalena was a two-nave basilica, but between 1400 and 1418, it was expanded into a three-nave hall church with a three-apse conclusion, resembling the layout of the present-day church. This transformation marked the beginning of a series of architectural changes that the church would undergo over the centuries.

In 1578, during the Dutch occupation, the church was temporarily reformed, only to be re-Catholicized under Spanish rule in 1587. The church suffered significant damage during the War of the Spanish Succession when Prussian troops bombarded Geldern in 1703. The subsequent reconstruction from 1707 to 1715 endowed the church with a Baroque interior.

The 19th century brought a wave of historicism, leading to the regotization of St. Maria Magdalena. However, the church faced another devastating blow during World War II, when it was almost entirely destroyed by air raids in February 1945. The current building, designed by the renowned Cologne architect Dominikus Böhm, was erected between 1949 and 1952, incorporating parts of the original exterior walls and the northwest tower.

Interior Splendors

Step inside St. Maria Magdalena, and you'll be greeted by a harmonious blend of historical and modern elements. Dominating the interior is a modern altar, above which hangs a striking Gothic crucifix from the 15th century. This oak depiction of the Crucified Christ, crafted in the Dreinageltypus style, is a poignant reminder of the church's medieval roots.

In the western part of the southern side aisle, you'll find a Baroque baptismal font made of marble, visually distinct from the rest of the church's interior. Nearby, the twelve bronze apostle candlesticks, designed by Dominikus Böhm, add a touch of elegance to the space.

One of the most remarkable features of St. Maria Magdalena is the golden shrine of Saints Galenus and Valenus, prominently displayed in the northern transept. These relics, gifted by Auxiliary Bishop Gottfried von Greveray in 1478, are believed to belong to Roman legionaries who were martyred under Emperor Hadrian. The neo-Gothic shrine itself, crafted by Cologne goldsmith Franz Wüsten in 1882, rests on a marble pedestal made from the former altar.

During the 1952 reconstruction, the tomb of Katharina von Geldern, who lived from 1439 to 1497, was discovered within the church. The grave cover, made of three massive brass plates engraved with a depiction of the sleeping duchess, is the work of Cologne artist Wilhelm Loeman and is now displayed in the north choir. Another Gothic grave slab, found in 1952, features a partially preserved half-relief of an unknown young woman in Spanish attire, also located in the north choir.

Musical Heritage

St. Maria Magdalena is home to two impressive organs. The choir organ, built by local organ builder Reinhold Hansen, features five stops on a single manual. The main organ, constructed in 1971 by the firm Orgelbau Romanus Seifert & Sohn, boasts 32 stops across three manuals and a pedal, filling the church with rich, resonant tones.

The Bells of St. Maria Magdalena

The church tower houses three bells, cast in 1723 by Johannes Petit, in 1767 by his nephew Alexius Petit the Elder, and in 1971 by Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock. A fourth historical bell, which did not harmonize with the others, was donated to the Kevelaer Museum.

Archaeological Discoveries

In the autumn of 2008, during renovations of the church square, archaeological investigations uncovered the foundations of a passageway that once connected the Carmelite monastery to the west portal of the church. These findings add another layer to the rich tapestry of St. Maria Magdalena's history.

St. Maria Magdalena Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Geldern. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, destruction, and rebirth, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the enduring power of faith.