St. George

St. George Church, known locally as St. Georg, stands majestically in the heart of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. This late Gothic masterpiece, constructed between 1427 and 1505, is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the town's rich history and architectural prowess. The church’s towering spire, affectionately called Daniel, dominates the skyline and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the region.

The History of St. George Church

The decision to build St. George Church was made by the council of the Free Imperial City of Nördlingen on October 17, 1427. The choir was completed in 1451, and the construction of the tower began in 1454. The high altar, crafted by Friedrich Herlin, was installed in 1462, and the tower reached completion in 1490. By 1505, the church, predominantly built from Suevite stone, stood completed. With the Reformation, St. George became an Evangelical Lutheran church in 1523/1525.

Over the centuries, St. George has undergone several restorations. The first major restoration occurred between 1877 and 1887. In 1945, a bombing raid destroyed the 1889 Steinmeyer organ, and a fire in 1974 consumed the Renaissance organ from 1610. The most recent restoration took place from 1971 to 1977, ensuring the church's continued splendor.

The Tower: Daniel

The church's 89.9-meter-high tower, known as Daniel, is a landmark visible from afar and a defining feature of the town's landscape. The name Daniel is derived from the biblical passage Daniel 2:48. Visitors can climb the 350 steps to the viewing gallery at 70.3 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the old town, the city walls, and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, one can see up to 99 church towers from this vantage point.

Intriguingly, the tower is still manned by a watchman, a rare profession in modern Europe. The watchman calls out So G’sell So! between 10 p.m. and midnight, a tradition linked to a local legend involving a thwarted attack on the city in 1440. Historically, this call ensured that all watchmen were alert and on duty.

The Nave and Interior

St. George's nave, stretching 93 meters in length and over 20 meters in height, makes it one of the largest hall churches in southern Germany. The interior features a three-aisled choir and a twelve-bay hall with twelve central columns. The baroque high altar, adorned with late Gothic wooden sculptures by the Netherlandish artist Niclas Gerhaert van Leyden, is a highlight. These sculptures, including a crucifixion group and figures of St. George and Mary Magdalene, are now housed in the Nördlingen City Museum.

The church also boasts a late medieval choir stall attributed to local craftsman Hans Tauberschmid, featuring intricately carved animal and human heads. The baptismal font dates back to 1492, and the sacrament house in the choir's northeast corner is a testament to the stone masonry skills of the time.

The Pulpit

The late Gothic stone pulpit is a marvel of craftsmanship, with a base of intricate ribbed work and a staircase with an openwork tracery balustrade. The pulpit's reliefs depict the four Evangelists, surrounded by figures such as the Man of Sorrows, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and St. George. The baroque soundboard, created by Johann Michael Ehinger in 1681, is adorned with putti and angel heads, with Christ holding the globe at its pinnacle.

The Organs

St. George houses three organs, with the main organ on the west gallery being the most prominent. Its history dates back to 1466, with the current instrument built in 1977 and modified in 2005. It features 56 registers on three manuals and a pedal, with mechanical action and electric stop action.

The Bells

The bell chamber in Daniel's tower holds four bells, including the Great Bell or Apostle Bell, originally from the Stargard St. Mary's Church. The Osanna bell, cast in 1496, is the oldest in Nördlingen. The storm bell from 1536 and two clock strike bowls from 1831 add to the auditory experience. The bells ring at 6, 12, and 7 p.m., with all four heralding the Sunday on Saturday evenings.

St. George Church is not just an architectural wonder but a living piece of history. Its walls echo with tales of faith, resilience, and artistry, offering visitors a deep connection to the past and a serene place for reflection amidst the bustling town of Nördlingen.