St. Maria Himmelfahrt

St. Maria Himmelfahrt, nestled in the heart of Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a beacon of Gothic splendor and historical significance. This Roman Catholic church, with its towering spire and intricate architectural details, has stood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of history, art, and culture. The church, originally built in the 15th and 16th centuries, occupies a site that has been sacred since the 13th century, making it a cornerstone of the city's spiritual and cultural heritage.

The Historical Journey of St. Maria Himmelfahrt

The story of St. Maria Himmelfahrt begins around the year 1200, when a Romanesque church was first erected on this plateau-like site in the old town's core. This early structure served as the parish church while the nearby abbey church handled the monastic duties. The church's history took a dramatic turn in 1343 when a devastating fire necessitated a complete rebuild. By 1469, the foundation stone for a new, larger parish church was laid, and by 1533, the late Gothic edifice that we see today was completed.

Throughout its history, St. Maria Himmelfahrt has undergone numerous transformations. In 1802, following the dissolution of the abbey by French occupiers, the church was designated as the main parish church of Mönchengladbach. This period saw significant renovations, including the removal of baroque elements and the addition of two side chapels in the 1880s. However, the church faced one of its darkest hours during World War II when it was almost entirely destroyed by bombings. The resilient spirit of the community saw the church meticulously restored over the next two decades.

In 2006, due to a financial crisis within the Diocese of Aachen, the parish was forced to choose between retaining St. Maria Himmelfahrt or the nearby Münster as the main parish church. The decision favored the Münster, and St. Maria Himmelfahrt was re-designated as the City Church. This transformation marked a new chapter in its history, opening its doors not just as a place of worship but also as a cultural and artistic hub.

Architectural Marvels of St. Maria Himmelfahrt

St. Maria Himmelfahrt is an architectural gem, embodying the elegance and grandeur of late Gothic design. The church is a three-nave basilica, characterized by its six longhouse bays and cross-ribbed vaults supported by round pillars. The eastern end of the church is marked by a flat-closed choir with a 5/8ths closure, a feature that adds to its Gothic charm. The north side of the church boasts a main portal added around 1890, while the tracery on the west side is a later addition.

The western facade is dominated by a four-story tower with a square base, topped by an octagonal spire. This tower is flanked by two neo-Gothic polygonal side chapels, adding to the church's majestic silhouette. The tower is further adorned with horizontal cornices and pointed arch windows, which enhance its verticality and Gothic aesthetic. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a cross-ribbed vault over the nave and a flat ceiling replacing the original vault in the tower's lower section.

The nave's clerestory is supported by pointed arch arcades resting on robust round pillars. The side aisles feature strong ribs between the cross-vaulted bays, which emerge from the outer pillar projections without capitals. These ribs rest on capitals when they intersect with the nave's arcades, creating a harmonious blend of structural and decorative elements. The 5/8ths choir closure is adorned with blind tracery, a detail that is echoed on the exterior, adding a layer of visual complexity to the church's design.

Art and Inscriptions

St. Maria Himmelfahrt is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a treasure trove of art and inscriptions. One of the most significant inscriptions is found beneath the central choir window, marking the laying of the foundation stone in 1469. This inscription, written in raised Gothic minuscule, reads: in den jaren ons heren mcccclxix op s(an)c(t). lare(n)cius aue(n)t an ge + lacht, which translates to In the year of our Lord 1469 on St. Lawrence's Eve laid. Another notable inscription from 1533 is found on a southern sacristy pillar, further cementing the church's historical timeline.

Within the nave, two baroque holy water basins from 1696 stand as testaments to the church's enduring legacy. These basins, crafted from red marble and featuring baluster shafts with attic bases, bear inscriptions commemorating their installation by Brother Ambrosius Manten, a Benedictine monk and later parish priest. These inscriptions, carved in recessed capitals, add a layer of historical depth to the church's interior.

The Organs of St. Maria Himmelfahrt

Music has always played a vital role in the life of St. Maria Himmelfahrt, and its organs are a testament to this tradition. The church's first organ, a positive organ, was mentioned in 1616. Over the centuries, several organs have graced its halls, with the current organ being a masterpiece by Lukas Fischer, built in 1975. This organ, with its 2,354 pipes across 32 registers on three manuals and a pedal, is a marvel of craftsmanship and acoustics. Its unique design includes a Regalwerk, a partial work ideal for performing early music, and an organ case made from solid Oregon pine, finished in a striking covered red.

In 2013, the organ underwent a comprehensive overhaul by Scholz Orgelbau, ensuring its continued excellence in sound and performance. The organ's disposition, with its mechanical action and electric stop action, along with its Kirnberger III temperament, makes it a versatile and historically informed instrument.

St. Maria Himmelfahrt is more than just a church; it is a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its walls and spires tell stories of resilience, faith, and community, inviting visitors to explore and experience the rich tapestry of Mönchengladbach's cultural heritage. Whether you are drawn by its historical significance, architectural beauty, or the serene atmosphere, a visit to St. Maria Himmelfahrt promises to be a journey through time and a celebration of human creativity and devotion.