Martinskirche in Kassel, Hesse, Germany, stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and historical significance. This iconic Gothic church has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, from its medieval beginnings to its modern-day status as a revered place of worship and cultural landmark.
The origins of Martinskirche date back to the early 14th century, when the construction of a new church was deemed necessary to serve the burgeoning population of the newly developed Kassel district, Freiheit. By 1343, construction was well underway, and the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Martin, and Saint Elizabeth. The Saint Martin dedication, along with possible relics, was transferred from an older church in Kirchditmold.
In 1366/67, a significant milestone was achieved when Pope Urban V confirmed the establishment of a collegiate foundation at Martinskirche. This foundation aimed to create a spiritual center in Kassel, rivaling the nearby Ahnaberg Monastery. Despite the slow progress of construction, the church was finally consecrated in 1462, although it would take several more decades to complete the southern tower.
The Reformation brought profound changes to Martinskirche. In 1524, following Landgrave Philip's conversion to Protestantism, the church became a Protestant place of worship. From the early 16th century until the late 18th century, it served as the burial site for the Landgraves of Hesse.
Martinskirche is a prime example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its three-aisled hall church design with six bays and a twin-towered west facade. The polygonal choir closures, typical of Gothic style, are particularly striking. One of the most notable features is the 5/8 closure of the choir, which adds to the church's architectural allure.
In the late 19th century, architect Hugo Schneider undertook a historicist renovation of Martinskirche. Between 1889 and 1892, the northern tower was completed, and the Renaissance-style upper section of the southern tower was replaced with a neo-Gothic design. This transformation gave the church a cohesive Gothic appearance that continues to captivate visitors.
The ravages of World War II left Martinskirche severely damaged. In 1943, British bombings caused the collapse of the nave's vaults and pillars. The intense heat from the bombings also fractured the original sandstone walls, necessitating extensive repairs using spray concrete and a wooden lattice framework.
From 1954 to 1958, architect Heinrich Otto Vogel spearheaded the reconstruction of Martinskirche. While the nave was meticulously restored to its former glory, the towers were reimagined with a modern architectural language. The alabaster and marble epitaph of Philip the Magnanimous was relocated to the center of the nave in 1955, and the church was rededicated on June 1, 1958.
Today, Martinskirche offers a serene and luminous interior, blending Gothic elements with modern aesthetics. The church's space is divided into two areas, separated by a flexible glass wall. The chancel and the first bay of the nave, restored to their historical vaulting, serve as the primary worship area, accessible through a separate entrance.
One of the church's most significant artworks is the painting Soldier and Beggar by Karl Hofer. The geometric triangular stained glass windows in the nave, designed by Hans Leistikow, and the chancel windows by Hans Gottfried von Stockhausen, add a touch of modern artistry to the historical setting.
Martinskirche has long served as a burial site. In the chancel, you can find the graves of various canons, while the nave houses the tombs of notable Kassel citizens. The Reformation brought about the establishment of the first princely crypt under the chancel, where members of the Hesse-Kassel ruling family were interred from 1535 to 1637.
The epitaph of Landgrave Philip, a magnificent twelve-meter-high monument made of marble and alabaster, stands as a testament to his legacy. Commissioned by his son William IV and crafted by court sculptors Elias Godefroy and Adam Liquir Beaumont, this epitaph depicts various biblical scenes and Philip with his first wife. During the post-war reconstruction, the slightly damaged epitaph was moved to the nave and partially restored in 2004.
A second princely crypt, constructed under the former chapter hall, was used from 1640 to 1782. Unfortunately, the destruction of World War II and subsequent looting left many of the crypt's coffins in ruins. Despite these challenges, the first crypt remains relatively intact, while the second crypt can be visited by appointment.
The musical heritage of Martinskirche is equally impressive. In the early 17th century, Hans Scherer the Younger created an organ with 33 stops, later expanded by Johann Friedrich Stertzing and Johann Nikolaus Becker. Johann Sebastian Bach himself inspected the organ in 1732.
Over the centuries, the organ underwent various modifications. In 1964, the Werner Bosch organ workshop installed a new organ with 57 stops, designed by Helmut Bornefeld. This instrument was eventually replaced in 2017 by a new Hauptorgel created by Rieger Orgelbau, featuring 77 registers and spanning the entire width of the west gallery. The organ's facade, designed by Norwegian-German artist Yngve Holen, adds a contemporary touch to the church's musical tradition.
Martinskirche is not just a historical monument; it is a living legacy that continues to serve the community. In addition to regular worship services, the church hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, including those held in conjunction with the prestigious Documenta art festival. Notable exhibitions include Inszenierung und Vergegenwärtigung in 1997, Der freie Blick in 2002, and Vision + Audition in 2007.
With its rich history, architectural splendor, and vibrant cultural activities, Martinskirche in Kassel is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the heart of Hesse. Whether you are drawn by its Gothic beauty, its storied past, or its role as a hub of contemporary art, Martinskirche offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
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