In the charming town of Wolfratshausen, nestled in the heart of Bavaria, stands the magnificent St. Andreas Church. This Roman Catholic parish church is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich tapestry of history, art, and architecture that defines this picturesque region. With its origins tracing back to the Gothic period, St. Andreas has gracefully evolved over the centuries, embodying both the spiritual and cultural heritage of Wolfratshausen.
The story of St. Andreas begins with a tragedy and a rebirth. The original Gothic church was devastated by fire in 1484, paving the way for a remarkable reconstruction between 1621 and 1626. The skilled hands of Munich's court master mason, Georg Graf, were instrumental in this renewal, as he skillfully incorporated the medieval tower’s ground floor into the new structure. By 1630, the church’s iconic octagonal tower, crowned with an onion dome, was completed, adding a distinctive silhouette to the Wolfratshausen skyline.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, St. Andreas underwent several enhancements. The organ gallery, a masterpiece by Benedikt Schafstetter and Urban Graetz from 1724, and the extensive stucco decorations added in 1906, are just a few examples of the church's evolving artistry. The church's resilience is further demonstrated by its restorations in the 1980s, which included the relocation of the south entrance, ensuring its continued prominence in the community.
St. Andreas is a three-nave hall church, a harmonious blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Its interior is a symphony of arches and vaults, with a magnificent barrel vault spanning the nave, supported by octagonal pillars and pointed arches. The side aisles, with their transverse vaults, seamlessly merge with the central nave, creating a unified and expansive space.
The choir, elevated by a triumphal arch-like vault, is a focal point, separating the nave from the altar area. This clever architectural design allowed the integration of the medieval tower into the expanded structure. The church's stucco decorations, inspired by designs from Nantwein and crafted by Josef Elsner, add an elegant touch, featuring geometric patterns, pearl and leaf motifs, and angelic figures.
The high altar of St. Andreas, crafted between 1659 and 1661 by local artist Lukas Herle, is a masterpiece of religious art. It features sculptures of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Peter by Kaspar Niederreiter, alongside a vivid painting of St. Andrew's crucifixion by Andreas Adam Griesmann. The tabernacle, a creation of Joseph Bernhard Rämpl from 1819, adds to the altar's splendor.
Visitors will also be captivated by the side altars, redesigned in 1901 by Elsner. The altar paintings by Johann Baptist Müller, depicting the Madonna enthroned over Wolfratshausen and the martyrdom of St. Sebastian, are particularly striking. A glass shrine on the right side altar houses the relics of the martyr Candidatus, adding a touch of mystery and reverence to the space.
The church is adorned with twelve grand apostle sculptures along the nave walls, crafted by various artists between 1680 and 1690. These figures, possibly including works by Georg Wunderl and Johann Krinner, bring the stories of the apostles to life, each with its unique expression and detail.
Adding to the church's artistic narrative are the canvas paintings on the lower gallery railing, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Created by Kaspar Albrecht, a student of Griesmann and the town's mayor, these paintings were gifts from local guilds, whose crests and dates are visible on the stucco frames.
The organ of St. Andreas, crafted in 1985 by Orgelbau Eisenbarth, is a modern marvel housed in a baroque-style case. With 35 registers across three manuals and a pedal, it fills the church with rich, resonant music, enhancing the spiritual experience for visitors and parishioners alike.
St. Andreas in Wolfratshausen is more than just a church; it's a living museum of faith, art, and history. Its walls whisper tales of resilience and devotion, inviting all who visit to pause and reflect on the beauty and craftsmanship that have stood the test of time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, St. Andreas offers a journey into the heart of Bavaria's cultural and religious legacy.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
