In the heart of Genthin, nestled in the picturesque region of Saxony-Anhalt, stands the Stadtkirche St. Trinitatis, a beacon of baroque elegance and historical intrigue. This evangelical town church, a prominent landmark of the city, invites visitors to explore its rich past and architectural splendor.
The origins of Stadtkirche St. Trinitatis are as fascinating as its structure. The church that once stood on this site was a Romanesque fieldstone church, which was dismantled in 1699 due to its poor condition. Rising from the ashes of its predecessor, the new church was constructed between 1707 and 1722, based on the designs of the Magdeburg master builder Georg Preußer. However, the journey to completion was not without its challenges.
Financial constraints meant that the construction progressed slowly, and it wasn't until 1769-1772 that the church's west tower, designed by Gottfried Meinicke, was finally completed. The staggered completion of various elements, such as the baptismal font from 1730, a bell from 1763, and a clock from 1776, tells a story of perseverance and dedication.
As you approach the Stadtkirche St. Trinitatis, its imposing baroque facade commands your attention. The church is a three-nave hall church, made from plastered brick with a three-sided closed choir. The exterior is elegantly divided by windows and pilaster strips, creating a harmonious rhythm of light and shadow.
The west tower, with its square base, is adorned with several cornice bands and crowned by a gracefully curved metal-covered dome with an open lantern. This striking feature not only adds to the church’s aesthetic appeal but also serves as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.
Scavenger hunts in Genthin
Discover Genthin with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Genthin with your team!
Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a serene interior characterized by cross-vaulted ceilings supported by round arches and cross pillars. The understated color palette enhances the architectural forms, allowing the church’s true beauty to shine through.
The chancel is dominated by a magnificent two-story wooden altarpiece from around 1720. Flanked by life-sized allegorical figures representing Faith and Love, the altarpiece features a round-arched painting depicting the Sermon on the Mount. Above, a transverse oval painting of the Entombment of Christ is surmounted by a figure of the Resurrected Christ, creating a powerful visual narrative.
The church’s organ, installed in 1798, has a storied past. While only the ornately designed seven-part organ prospect by Johann Wilhelm Grüneberg remains, it serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The organ was later updated in 1913 and again in 1938, ensuring its continued use in the church’s musical offerings.
Further enriching the church’s interior are stained glass windows on the south side, donated by the citizens of Genthin in 1908. These colorful windows depict St. Peter, St. Paul, and Martin Luther above the entrance gallery, adding a vibrant touch to the sacred space.
In 1965, a heated winter church was installed in the west tower, although this temporarily blocked the main entrance. However, a renovation in 2008, which included the installation of new glass partitions, restored access to the main entrance, ensuring that visitors could once again enter through the grand west tower.
In 2007, a modern functional annex, known as the Young Church, was added between the church and Große Schulstraße. Comprised of two massive square structures connected by a glazed foyer, this addition seamlessly blends the old with the new, providing a versatile space for contemporary functions.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Stadtkirche St. Trinitatis offers a unique glimpse into the past. As you explore its hallowed halls and admire its artistic treasures, you’ll find yourself transported to a different era, where every stone and every beam tells a story of faith, resilience, and community.
In conclusion, Stadtkirche St. Trinitatis is not just a church; it is a symbol of Genthin’s enduring spirit and a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Its walls echo with the stories of generations past, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this charming German town.
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 3 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.