Marienkirche Hanau

The Marienkirche Hanau, known locally as Marienkirche, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of Hanau, Hessen, Germany. This splendid Gothic church, originally dedicated to Mary Magdalene, has been a central landmark in the old town of Hanau for centuries, captivating visitors with its striking architecture and storied past.

The Historical Roots of Marienkirche Hanau

The origins of Marienkirche Hanau date back to the early 14th century. When Hanau was granted city status in 1303, it already boasted a Romanesque chapel, much smaller than the present-day church. This chapel, first mentioned in records in 1316, was a subsidiary of the older parish church of Our Lady in Kinzdorf, located south of Hanau. The parish priest of Kinzdorf held spiritual responsibility not only for his parish church but also for the Mary Magdalene Chapel in Hanau, the St. Martin's Chapel in Hanau Castle, and the St. Elizabeth Chapel in the old Hanau hospital.

The Transformation into a Parish Church

The dependence on the Kinzdorf mother church changed in 1434 when Count Reinhard II secured parish rights for the Mary Magdalene Chapel. He issued a service order for the clergy, mandating daily masses and vespers at the numerous altars. This marked a shift in the ecclesiastical focus from Kinzdorf to Hanau. Additionally, Count Reinhard II enhanced the priests' provisions and established a new presence order. Priests who regularly performed their liturgical duties at their assigned altars received compensation, managed by a presence administrator. This presence still exists today, maintaining the Marienkirche with its income from old benefice properties.

The First Expansion Phase

Count Reinhard II embarked on a mission to expand and beautify the main church of his residence city, choosing it as the new burial site for his family, previously interred at Arnsburg Monastery. The church was enlarged from a single-nave structure to a three-nave one, with the nave taking on its current dimensions. Construction of the nave began in 1449, and an inscription over a blocked pointed arch door on the south wall of the southern aisle marks this date. The work was completed in 1454, as indicated by a year above the door on the north side. The apse was also enlarged, and the construction of the existing tower began in 1448, receiving its first large bell in 1480.

The Late Gothic Choir

The most significant alteration to the church was carried out by Count Philip I, the Younger, who returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1485 with numerous inspirations. He commissioned a choir of impressive dimensions, towering over the adjacent nave. The choir, measuring 22 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 16.4 meters in height, features four bays and a 5/8 chancel. The bases and consoles of the services in the choir correspond to the corner buttresses on the exterior. Although richly carved in the past, they were partially destroyed in 1945 and replaced with unadorned stones during reconstruction. Ten ascending pilasters support the net-like ribs that adorn the vault, converging in a star at the eastern end. The keystone depicts Mary Magdalene kneeling before the risen Christ in the Noli me tangere scene. Other keystones feature the coats of arms of the builder's family, including Count Philip I, the Younger, his wife Adriana of Nassau-Dillenburg, his father Count Reinhard III, and his grandfather Count Reinhard II. The side points of the vault ribs are adorned with smaller coats of arms from the noble circles of the House of Hanau, including the Counts of Wertheim, Rieneck, and Solms. The fields within the net of vault ribs are filled with painted vines, flowers, and rays. The overall design is attributed to Siegfried Ribsche, with execution by Master Martin and some sculptural work by stonemason Hans Merckel from Babenhausen.

The Laurentius Chapel

Simultaneously with the choir, a small chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence was added to the south side. Originally serving as the chapter house for the collegiate clergy, it now functions as a sacristy. The chapel is adorned with frescoes depicting the martyrdom of St. Lawrence and the saints Cosmas and Damian, rediscovered after the destruction of 1945. Another fresco shows the Three Kings and two holy deacons. The chapel's construction is likely linked to Count Philip I, the Younger's unsuccessful attempt to purchase relics from the financially troubled Seligenstadt Monastery, including the head of St. Lawrence. Although the purchase was contested by the Archbishop of Mainz, Count Philip I, the Younger, received the monastery's income from the villages of Nauheim, Eschersheim, and Ginnheim as compensation.

The Reformation and Its Impact

The 16th century brought the Reformation to Hanau, significantly impacting Marienkirche. In 1523, Pastor Adolf Arborgast joined the collegiate chapter, expressing his desire to focus on preaching the Gospel rather than daily masses and vespers. His successor, Magister Philip Neunheller, became the primary reformer of Hanau. Under his influence, the new religious ideas gained traction among the collegiate clergy and parishioners. Although the Catholic collegiate service was never officially abolished, the number of altarists dwindled as positions were not refilled. By 1537, the chapter had only eight clergy members, and by 1548, just four. In 1550, the mass service ceased in the Mary Magdalene Church, replaced by two, later three, Reformation-aligned pastors.

Architectural Changes Following the Reformation

The next phase of the church's architectural history was shaped by the requirements of the new Protestant worship form, which emphasized preaching before the gathered congregation. In 1558, Count Philip III ordered the nave's conversion into a hall church. The three-nave division was removed, the outer walls were significantly raised, and the church roof was elevated to match the choir's height. Multi-story galleries for men were added along the sides, while women sat in the nave. Professors, officials, and council members had ground-level seats, shielded from the congregation by grilles. The lordly seat was located at the front of the first gallery. The room's flat ceiling was supported by columns that also bore the weight of the attic.

Today, Marienkirche Hanau stands as a remarkable blend of historical and architectural evolution, reflecting the city's rich past and the dynamic changes brought about by the Reformation. Its towering presence in the heart of Hanau continues to draw visitors, offering a glimpse into the city's storied history and architectural splendor.