St. Laurentii, Itzehoe

St. Laurentii, known locally as Stadtkirche St. Laurentii, is the largest sacred building in Itzehoe, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This impressive edifice stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and architectural heritage, drawing visitors with its striking baroque design and storied past.

The History of St. Laurentii

The origins of St. Laurentii date back to 1196 when it was first documented as a church dedicated to St. Lawrence. In 1263, the church became a part of a Cistercian nunnery when the nuns relocated from Ivenfleth to Itzehoe. The church served as the convent church, around which the other convent buildings were constructed. Remarkably, the cloister remains the only above-ground medieval monument in Itzehoe today. The crypts beneath the church, dating back to the medieval period, were used as burial sites for the Counts of Schauenburg, the Counts of Rantzau, and the abbesses of the convent.

St. Laurentii has endured its share of trials. The Danish-Swedish War brought devastation in 1657 when a city fire largely destroyed the original two-aisled Gothic hall church. Though it was provisionally restored, structural issues led to its collapse in 1713. Between 1716 and 1718, the current church was constructed as a baroque brick hall with a wide-spanning wooden barrel vault.

The Tower and Its Transformation

The original tower of St. Laurentii was modest, barely rising above the church roof with a flat pointed roof. However, between 1894 and 1896, architect Johannes Otzen dramatically altered the skyline of Itzehoe by extending the tower to an impressive 79.45 meters. The new design featured a baroque onion dome, four pointed turrets at the corners, and an observation platform. The tower's various construction phases are distinguishable by the differing colors of the bricks. In 2002, a severe storm caused significant damage to the tower, but it was fully restored by 2005.

The Interior and Its Treasures

The interior of St. Laurentii is a treasure trove of baroque artistry. Much of the church's furnishings date back to the period following the 1657 fire. Margaretha Wasmer, née Kielmann, a benefactor from Hamburg, donated the altar and pulpit in 1661. The grand carved altar, a highlight of the church, features a series of 24 small, intricately carved scenes depicting Biblical events, attributed to the Hamburg woodcarver Hein Baxmann. The altar's framework is a fine example of knorpelbarock, a baroque style characterized by its intricate and ornate designs. The pulpit, originally located at the center of the church, now resides on the north gallery, displaying reliefs of scenes from Jesus' life.

Another notable feature is the large triumphal cross and the carved baptismal font, both dating back to the 1660s. The church's galleries, which were initially removed during a renovation in 1961, were partially restored in 1985, adding to the church's historical ambiance.

The Bells and the Organ

The tower of St. Laurentii houses three steel bells, cast by the Bochum Association in 1891, with the tones a0, d1, and f1. The church's organ has a storied history, with its origins tracing back to 1523 when two organs were present. After several reconstructions and restorations over the centuries, the current organ includes elements from the renowned organ builder Arp Schnitger and subsequent modifications by various craftsmen. The organ's most recent updates in 2000 added a second manual console, allowing the historic prospect pipes of the Arp Schnitger organ to be played once again.

The Crypts and Their Secrets

Beneath St. Laurentii lie crypts that hold the remains of noblewomen from the Itzehoe Convent and members of the Rantzau family, including notable figures such as Abbess Metta Christina von Ahlefeldt and Count Christian zu Rantzau. These crypts, forgotten over time, were rediscovered during renovations in the 1960s. Although currently closed to the public for preservation reasons, they add a layer of mystery and historical depth to the church.

A Glimpse into the Past

St. Laurentii is not just a place of worship but a monument that encapsulates the historical and cultural evolution of Itzehoe. Its walls echo the stories of medieval monks, baroque artisans, and the noble families who shaped the town's history. Visitors to St. Laurentii can immerse themselves in this rich tapestry, exploring the architectural marvels and historical treasures that make this church a cornerstone of Itzehoe’s heritage.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. Laurentii offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing the resilience and beauty of this remarkable church.