The Evangelisch-lutherische Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus, also known locally as St. Bartholomäus, is a historical gem nestled in the picturesque town of Marktredwitz, located in the Upper Franconian district of Wunsiedel, Bavaria, Germany. This remarkable church, with its rich history dating back to at least 1140, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and architectural prowess of the region.
The origins of Evangelisch-lutherische Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus are shrouded in the mists of time, with the first recorded mention of a church in Marktredwitz dating back to 1140. The earliest known church building dates to 1384, when the castle of the Lords of Redwitz was transformed into what is now the old town hall and the castle chapel into a church. A significant remnant of this early structure is the Luginsland, the former keep, which has been incorporated into the church's architecture.
The church's Gothic choir, which dates back to around 1480, and the nave, built in 1502, are key features of its architectural evolution. The year 1522 saw the church's vaulting in the early Renaissance style, a testament to the artistic influences of the period. However, the church's history has not been without its trials. A devastating city fire in 1534 severely damaged the church, destroying the tower and its bells. The tower was only rebuilt to the height of the belfry at that time, and it was not until 1615 that it was fully restored.
The current church tower, a striking example of classicist architecture, was erected in 1825 following another catastrophic city fire in 1822. Constructed from gray sandstone, the tower features a two-story tower room at the level of the surrounding gallery, which was continuously inhabited until 1945. In 1911, the tower was fitted with an electric clock, a symbol of the church's adaptation to modern times. An interesting historical artifact on the tower's exterior is a height marker from the Nazi era, with the swastika removed but the eagle still visible, accompanied by the barely legible inscription Deutsches Reich Höhenmarke.
The Luginsland, originally the keep of the castle of the Lords of Redwitz until 1384, is another fascinating element of the church. Built from rubble stone, it was plastered in 1982/1983, preserving its historical integrity while ensuring its longevity. This tower serves as a poignant reminder of the church's medieval origins and its evolution over the centuries.
The nave of Evangelisch-lutherische Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus, built in 1502 and vaulted in 1522, measures approximately 17.5 meters in length and 14.23 meters in width. These dimensions suggest that either the Roman foot measurement was still prevalent around 1500, or the building stands on the foundations of an older, possibly high Gothic structure. This theory is supported by the fact that Redwitz had been a parish since at least 1140 and possessed a church by 1384 at the latest.
The pulpit of the church, a late Renaissance masterpiece from 1613, was donated by Johann Scharff, a judge from Wiesau, and his wife Maria Salome Steinhauser. Renovated in 1683 by the Redwitz parish community, the pulpit features depictions of the four great church fathers—Ambrose, Jerome, Gregory, and Augustine—as well as Martin Luther. The pulpit's panels illustrate the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Topping the pulpit is a one-meter-high statue of Saint Michael, adding to the pulpit's grandeur.
The Gothic sacrament house, standing at approximately 5.3 meters tall, dates back to 1490, as indicated by the inscription on its base. The pinnacle features depictions of Saint Bartholomew and two angels holding banners with excerpts from Thomas Aquinas' hymn de corpore Christi. This unique piece, crafted from yellow sandstone, is believed to be the work of a master builder from Eger and is the only sacrament house of its kind preserved in the region.
The baptismal font, likely created around 1700, has remained a significant fixture of the church since its donation in 1696 by Christoph Liebmann. A renovation in 1924 ensured its preservation, allowing it to continue serving the church community to this day.
The late Gothic ceiling paintings in the choir, rediscovered and preserved by Franz Wiedl during a church restoration in 1953, were restored by Matthias Krämer in 2010. These paintings depict the twelve apostles and include a representation of the Lamentation of Christ beneath the pulpit, adding to the church's rich artistic heritage.
Until the 17th century, the southern east wall of the nave housed a Mount of Olives scene, which was converted into a burial site for Pastor Stephan Leopold of Redwitz in 1670. The former Mount of Olives is now only recognizable by the late Gothic latticework beneath the grille, representing the fence of the Garden of Gethsemane.
In conclusion, the Evangelisch-lutherische Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus in Marktredwitz is not just a church; it is a living chronicle of history, architecture, and art. Its walls and towers tell stories of resilience, faith, and artistic achievement, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Bavarian history and culture.
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