Peterskirche

In the heart of Gelnhausen, a picturesque town in Hessen, Germany, stands the Peterskirche, a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of Romanesque architecture. This Roman Catholic church, known affectionately as Peterskirche, is a beacon of history, art, and spirituality, drawing visitors with its storied past and serene presence.

The Origins of Peterskirche

The history of Peterskirche dates back to around 1200 when it was initially conceived as a parish church. Its construction began in the Romanesque style, and it was strategically positioned to be in direct visual alignment with the Marienkirche. The first recorded mention of the church was in 1229, highlighting its early significance to the community.

The original design of Peterskirche envisioned a grand three-aisled basilica with a cross-shaped floor plan. It included apses in the side aisles and round towers flanking the main choir. The remnants of this early phase, including the lower halves of the outer walls and the remarkable portals, still stand today, showcasing the craftsmanship reminiscent of the stone masonry seen in the nearby Pfalz Gelnhausen. One of the most notable features from this period is the Petrus Tympanon above the north portal, an exquisite example of Romanesque art.

Construction Halts and Resumptions

The construction of Peterskirche faced a significant setback in 1238 when the Kloster Langenselbold, the patron of the Marienkirche, successfully halted the building process. At the time, parts of the transept, approximately two-thirds of the nave, and the southeast tower were completed. This interruption left the church in an unfinished state for several decades.

It wasn't until the late 13th century that construction resumed, albeit in a more provisional manner. The northeast tower was added, but the chancel arch was bricked up, and the nave was completed with simple round pillars and a flat ceiling, disregarding the earlier, more elaborate design. The west window, dating from the 15th century, marks the conclusion of these later construction efforts.

The Tumultuous Times of Secularization

Throughout the Middle Ages, Peterskirche, which had come under the ownership of the Kloster Selbold, likely served as a secondary chapel. However, the Reformation brought significant changes. In 1543, the church, along with the Marienkirche, came under municipal ownership. With the Marienkirche fulfilling the town's needs as an evangelical parish church, Peterskirche was secularized and fell into disuse, leading to partial ruin.

During the 18th century, the church found new life as a storage facility and, during wartime, as a hospital. In 1830, it was auctioned off to a private individual, and a tobacco factory was established within its walls. The eastern towers and side apses were demolished in 1832, further altering the church's appearance.

A Renaissance as a Sacred Space

The 20th century brought a resurgence of interest in Peterskirche. In 1920, the Roman Catholic community purchased the building, and between 1932 and 1938, it was restored as a church. This restoration, guided by Karl Nothnagel's dissertation on the church, saw the structure rebuilt in simplified forms as a three-aisled basilica. A rectangular choir with two tall rectangular towers was added to the east, along with a new crypt. The clerestory is a modern addition, giving the interior a blend of 20th-century and Romanesque influences. The interior was further refurbished in 1982-83, with an altar and ambo designed by Hubert Elsässer, and stained glass windows by Agnes Mann from the 1960s.

The Musical Heartbeat: The Organ

Music lovers will appreciate the church's organ, built in 1986 by Bernhard Schmidt of Gelnhausen. This instrument, with its 24 registers on two manuals and pedal, features mechanical action for the keys and electric action for the stops. The organ's couplers include II/I, I/P, and II/P, making it a versatile instrument for liturgical and concert performances.

A Cultural Monument

Today, Peterskirche stands as a cultural monument under the Hessian Monument Protection Act. Its rich history and architectural evolution make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in art, history, and spirituality. The church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the resilience and continuity of the community through centuries of change.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, Peterskirche in Gelnhausen offers a captivating journey through time. Its walls echo with stories of faith, perseverance, and transformation, inviting visitors to explore and reflect on the enduring legacy of this remarkable church.