St. Markus

St. Markus Church, nestled in the heart of Wittlich, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, stands as a testament to the town's rich historical and architectural heritage. This Roman Catholic parish church, with its striking baroque and gothic elements, has been a beacon of faith and culture since its completion in the early 18th century.

The History of St. Markus Church

The construction of St. Markus began in 1707, under the auspices of the Trier Archbishop Johann VIII. Hugo von Orsbeck. The initial architectural plans were drawn by the court architect Philipp Honorius von Ravensteyn. However, the progress of the church was halted by the death of the Archbishop in 1711, leading to an extended construction period. It wasn't until 1722-1724, under the guidance of Archbishop Franz Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg, that the church was finally completed. Johann Georg Judas, Ravensteyn's successor, played a crucial role in finishing the church, including the elevation of the church tower and the construction of the roof rider. The church was consecrated in 1727, marking the end of a two-decade-long journey.

Architectural Marvels

St. Markus Church is a four-bay, three-aisled pillar basilica, showcasing a blend of late or post-gothic and early baroque architectural styles. The design of the church is particularly unique, with the choir built on the foundation of a predecessor church that was destroyed by fire in 1707. The windows in the tower, side aisles, and clerestory are adorned with simple round arches, adding to the church's understated elegance.

The western facade of the church features a square, three-story tower with a slate-covered, curved dome. The third floor of the tower houses the bells and a clock. Atop the dome is an octagonal open lantern with a curved helmet, crowned by a tower globe, cross, and weathercock. The rectangular transverse roof rider also contains bells in its eight-windowed belfry, capped with a lantern. The church can be accessed through entrances in the tower and from both side aisles.

Intricate Interiors

The interior of St. Markus is as captivating as its exterior. The high altar, acquired in 1749 from the Dominican Church in Koblenz, was later complemented by sculptor Heiwegen in 1927. The choir stalls on the south wall date back to around 1770, while those on the north wall were recreated around 1820 and expanded again in 1927. The side altars, crafted by court carpenter Conrad Fischer in 1747, add to the church's historical charm.

The baptismal font, created in 1727 by Koblenz sculptor Lorenz Staudacher, and a 15th-century wooden figure of Saint John the Baptist are among the notable artifacts within the church. Three gravestones from the 17th century, originally from the old cemetery, have also been preserved. In 1935/1936, a statue of Saint Sebastian by Hanns Scherl was added to the south side of the tower as a war memorial. Scherl also crafted the freestanding altar table (1971) and the ambo (1976), both featuring life tree symbolism.

Stained Glass Windows

The church's stained glass windows, which were replaced after World War II, are a highlight of the interior. Created between 1949 and 1952, these windows are designed as coordinated cycles. The northern side aisle windows depict scenes from the Old Testament, crafted by Alois Stettner and Heinrich Dieckmann, while the southern side aisle windows feature New Testament saint representations by Dieckmann and Maurice Rocher. The choir windows, created by Georg Meistermann, illustrate the major feasts of the church year, including Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. These windows were Meistermann's first church commissions after the war.

The Organ

The organ case, built in the North German style in 1769 by Peter and Nikel Schreiber from Dusemont, is unique to the region. The organ itself was completely rebuilt in 1848 by Heinrich Wilhelm Breidenfeld from Trier and underwent another major renovation in 1958 by the organ builder Johannes Klais from Bonn, incorporating eleven registers from Breidenfeld. The organ now boasts 38 registers on three manuals and a pedal. The most recent restoration was carried out by the Sandtner organ building company from Dillingen/Donau in 2000/01.

St. Markus Church in Wittlich is more than just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and architecture. Its walls echo stories from centuries past, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Wittlich. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to St. Markus is sure to be a memorable experience.