St. Marien

Nestled in the charming town of Seligenstadt in the Hesse region of Germany, St. Marien Church stands as a fascinating testament to modern architecture and spiritual heritage. This Roman Catholic parish church, designed by architect Gisberth Hülsmann, is affectionately known by locals as Sankt Beton or The Bunker Church, a nod to its robust, concrete construction. Despite its modernist exterior, St. Marien is steeped in history and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the evolution of church design and community spirit.

The Origins of St. Marien

The story of St. Marien begins in the post-war years of the 1960s, a period marked by rapid growth and urban development in Seligenstadt. The parish was officially established on February 28, 1966, as the town's second Roman Catholic community. Prior to the construction of the church, the parishioners gathered in a provisional parish house and a kindergarten, designed by architects Günther Laber and Wilhelm Puth, which were inaugurated on May 1, 1965.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for worship, a competition was held to select the architect for the new church. Gisberth Hülsmann emerged victorious, surpassing even the renowned Würzburg cathedral master builder, Hans Schädel. Hülsmann's design drew inspiration from the Church of St. Walburga in Porta Westfalica, designed by his former collaborator, Emil Steffann.

Construction and Consecration

Construction of St. Marien began in 1969, and after three years of meticulous work, the first service was held in 1972. The church was officially consecrated on June 15, 1975, under the patronage of the Annunciation of Mary, although it is commonly referred to simply as St. Marien. This dedication links the new church to the historical legacy of the old Seligenstadt parish church, Our Lady, which was demolished in 1817.

In 1979, the interior of St. Marien underwent a significant transformation when Mainz artist Alois Plum adorned the previously bare concrete walls with vibrant murals depicting scenes from the life of Mary and the Revelation of John. This artistic addition breathed new life into the church's interior, creating a striking contrast with the austere exterior.

Architectural Features

St. Marien is a prime example of modernist architecture, characterized by its minimalist design and use of raw materials. The church is situated northwest of Seligenstadt's old town, between the Main River to the east and the Hanau-Erbach railway line to the west. The building itself is a two-story concrete cube with rounded corners, constructed from in-situ concrete and clad with prefabricated concrete panels.

The upper church, or Oberkirche, is accessible via a covered walkway from Kapellenstraße to the east and from the upper parish courtyard to the south. The lower church, or Unterkirche, can be reached through entrances in the lower parish courtyard or via a curved ramp within the interior that connects both levels.

The main worship space in the upper church is a central, open room with a wooden roof structure that slopes towards a central skylight, allowing natural light to flood the interior. This design draws attention to the elevated altar island, which is surrounded by seating on all sides, reflecting the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The upper church can accommodate around 520 worshippers.

Interior Artwork and Furnishings

One of the most captivating features of St. Marien is its interior artwork by Alois Plum. His murals, rendered in vibrant hues of yellow, red, and blue, depict various scenes from the life of Mary and the Revelation of John. The centerpiece of this artwork is the altar wall, where Jesus is depicted seated on a throne, holding the Book of Life, surrounded by 24 elders representing the tribes of Israel and the apostles. The murals extend along the side walls, enveloping the entire worship space in a continuous band of color and symbolism.

The church's furnishings, including the portals, tabernacle, and baptismal font, were crafted from cast aluminum based on Hülsmann's designs. The tabernacle is integrated into the northeast wall, while the baptismal font is located in the lower church, emphasizing the foundational role of baptism in the Christian community.

Another notable feature is the wrought-iron altar cross, created in the mid-1970s by sculptor Maria Elisabeth Stapp. The cross, which features a serpent above the head of the crucified Christ, symbolizes the connection between the Fall of Man in the Old Testament and the redemption brought by Christ's crucifixion in the New Testament.

Historical Connections

In December 2002, the lower church became the final resting place for a medieval sarcophagus containing remains believed to be those of Count Drogo. Discovered during excavations at the Seligenstadt cemetery, these remains are thought to have originally been interred in the count's private church. The placement of the sarcophagus in St. Marien serves to strengthen the church's ties to the historical legacy of Seligenstadt's original parish church, Our Lady, which Count Drogo is said to have founded.

Visiting St. Marien

St. Marien offers visitors a unique blend of modernist architecture, vibrant artwork, and historical significance. Whether you are drawn to its striking design, its rich history, or its spiritual atmosphere, St. Marien is a must-visit destination in Seligenstadt. As you explore this remarkable church, you will discover a place where the past and present converge, offering a profound and inspiring experience for all who enter its doors.