Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius

In the charming town of Wolfratshausen, nestled in the picturesque region of Bavaria, Germany, stands the remarkable Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius. Known locally as Katholische Filialkirche St. Laurentius, this late Mannerist hall church with a Gothic core is a testament to the rich tapestry of history and spirituality that defines this area.

The Historical Tapestry of Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius

The story of Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius is as intriguing as it is ancient. Established between 1605 and 1620, the church is situated on the town's cemetery grounds. It is part of the parish community of St. Andreas Wolfratshausen. This former pilgrimage church holds significant art historical value due to its altar furnishings and stucco vaulting, which present a rare, unified vision of the transition from Mannerism to the early Baroque.

The site’s history dates back to 1286, when the pious pilgrim Conradus Nantovinus met a tragic fate here. Legend tells of his wrongful execution, a tale that has become part of the church’s lore. Following his death, miraculous events were reported, such as the healing of the judge's blind horse, leading to Nantovinus’s canonization by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297. A chapel was soon erected at the site, housing the relics of the saint, which drew pilgrims from far and wide.

Architectural Splendor

The church’s architecture is a blend of simplicity and grace. The exterior is unadorned, with the three-bay nave crowned by a low roof rider. The choir, with its two bays and three-eighths closure, is separated from the nave by a wide chancel arch. The post-Gothic buttresses at the choir corners add subtle embellishments to the otherwise austere exterior.

Inside, the church boasts a richly decorated stucco ceiling, created between 1620 and 1625 by a Munich master. The ceiling is adorned with pearls, leaves, egg sticks, curved fields, tendrils, floral arrangements, stars, and angel heads with draperies, creating a stunning visual narrative that captures the transition from Mannerism to Baroque.

The Altars and Artworks

The magnificent high altar, completed around 1619, is a masterpiece by Christoph Graf and Kaspar Polz. The altar features a grand painting depicting the martyrdom of St. Nantovinus, created in the midst of the Thirty Years' War by local artist Leonhard Griesman. The altar is flanked by open arcade arches featuring weather saints John and Paul, crafted by Lucas Herle and Ambros Degler.

The side altars are equally captivating. The left altar showcases a group of figures featuring Mary with the Christ child and her mother Anna, with the Mater Heart of Mary hovering above. The right altar displays the Holy Trinity, accompanied by saints Korbinian and Emmeram, with a predella image depicting the martyrdom of Emmeram.

Exploring the Church Today

Visitors to Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius can immerse themselves in its serene and sacred atmosphere. The church’s interior is a treasure trove of historical and artistic significance, from the epitaph for the mayor's widow Barbara Keller to the exquisite Twelve Apostles by Philipp Rämpl.

The church's pulpit, dating back to around 1615/20, features a canopy adorned with the figure of St. Magdalene and angels capturing blood at the triumphal arch cross. The ascent to the pulpit and the canopy were tastefully restored in the late 1970s, preserving their historical authenticity.

A Place of Pilgrimage and Reflection

Though the fervor of pilgrimage has waned over the centuries, Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius remains a place of reflection and reverence. The church’s connection to its storied past, combined with its architectural and artistic beauty, continues to draw visitors seeking solace and inspiration.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Sankt Nantovinus und Sankt Laurentius offers a unique glimpse into Bavaria’s rich cultural heritage. As you explore this sacred site, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by the echoes of centuries-old stories and the enduring spirit of faith.