Martinskirche

Martinskirche, the principal Protestant church in Kirchheim unter Teck, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a magnificent testament to centuries of ecclesiastical history and architectural evolution. This venerable church, dedicated to St. Martin, stands as a beacon of faith and history, drawing visitors with its storied past and striking Gothic architecture.

The History of Martinskirche

The origins of Martinskirche can be traced back to the 7th century when it is believed that Frankish monks constructed a wooden church on the site. This early sanctuary, dedicated to St. Martin, laid the foundation for what would become a significant religious and cultural landmark. The first documented mention of the church dates to 960, marking its long-standing presence in the region.

In the early 13th century, the Zähringer family undertook the transformation of the original structure into a three-nave Romanesque basilica. This marked the beginning of Martinskirche's architectural prominence. However, it was during the mid-15th century that the church underwent a significant Gothic renovation, resulting in much of the structure that we see today. Despite suffering damage from a fire in 1690, the church was subsequently refurbished, and it continues to undergo renovations to preserve its historical integrity.

Architectural Marvels

The architecture of Martinskirche is a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with each era leaving its distinct mark on the structure. The high Gothic choir, oriented to the east, is a masterpiece of medieval design. It features a network rib vault adorned with keystones that depict St. Martin, a Christ face, the Kirchheim city coat of arms, and the four ancient Württemberg shields: the lozenges of Teck, stag antlers, the imperial storm flag, and the fish of Mömpelgard.

The choir was originally adorned with frescoes, remnants of which still depict the Ten Commandments and the Ten Plagues. The central choir window, dating from 1884, showcases scenes of the Crucifixion and Burial of Christ, while the side windows, created by Hans Beiler in 1904, illustrate twelve scenes from the life of Jesus.

The nave of the basilica is divided into three aisles by rows of columns. During renovations around 1960, sculptor Eberhard C. Unkauf enriched the column capitals with various Christian symbols, including the lamb, clover, flowering tree, ivy, fish, crown of thorns, vine, lily, oak leaf, and birds. The west end of the nave features a gallery housing the church's organ, rebuilt by Richard Rensch in 1965 after the previous instrument suffered water damage.

Rich Interior and Artifacts

The interior of Martinskirche is a treasure trove of historical and artistic artifacts. The pulpit, located at the northern choir arch, dates back to the post-fire restoration of 1690. Crafted by Hans Jakob and Hans Jörg Knöpfle from Stuttgart, it exemplifies the ornate style known as Evangelical Baroque. The five-sided pulpit rests on a twisted column and is adorned with reliefs of the Evangelists and the Ascension of Christ, likely copies of older models destroyed during World War II.

The altar, a simple travertine stone piece by Eberhard C. Unkauf from 1964, is surrounded by a historic three-winged altar grid from 1697. The purpose of this grid, which originally enclosed the altar on all four sides, remains a mystery, though similar examples can be found in other Protestant churches in the area.

The octagonal baptismal font, dating from 1691, is more of a baptismal table without an indentation, used for holding baptismal utensils. It is decorated with foliage and cherub heads. The choir benches also date back to the post-fire period of 1690.

Two notable worship paintings, originally from the demolished Totenkirchlein in 1840, now reside in Martinskirche. These panel paintings, each approximately 1.40 meters wide and 2.05 meters high, once formed the wings of a Marian altar. One depicts part of the Adoration of the Magi, while the other shows a segment of an Annunciation scene. Both works are attributed to an unknown Swabian master from around 1470/80.

The Organ

The grand organ on the west gallery of Martinskirche, built by the Richard Rensch organ company starting in 1960, was completed in its current form in 1982. This purely mechanical instrument boasts 68 registers across four manuals and a pedal, with approximately 25 registers retained from the previous organ by Eberhard Friedrich Walcker dating to 1842.

The organ's coupling includes I/II, III/II, IV/II, I/P, II/P, III/P, and IV/P. Notable organists have included Ernst Leuze and Samuel Kummer, who later served at the Frauenkirche in Dresden, and currently, Rolf Sach.

Memorials and Epitaphs

Martinskirche is home to several significant epitaphs and memorials, particularly from the Renaissance period. Among the most notable are the wooden epitaphs for Konrad Widerholt († 1667) and his wife Anna Hermengard née Burckhart († 1666), as well as for Sebastian Welling von Vehingen († 1622). These epitaphs, created in 1698, were originally part of the church's exterior wall and feature three-tiered designs with biblical scenes, allegorical figures, and portraits of the deceased.

Additional memorials include a 1906 epitaph for Franziska von Hohenheim († 1811), featuring a white marble bust by Ad. Schenk. Other notable grave markers within the church commemorate various members of the local nobility and prominent figures from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The Bells

Following the city fire of 1690, eight new bells were cast from collected melted bell metal by the Rosier family of Lorraine in 1691. Of these, three remain today: the largest and most ornate, Dominica (cis'), the Great Beller (gis'), and the Small Beller (cis''). In 1952, the bell ensemble was supplemented with four new bells: the Ficker Bell (e'), the Cross Bell (fis'), the Schöllkopf Bell (h'), and the Our Father Bell (dis'').

Martinskirche stands as a monument to the enduring spirit and rich heritage of Kirchheim unter Teck. Its architectural splendor, historical significance, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Martinskirche offers a profound glimpse into the past and a serene place for reflection and admiration.