St. Christoph's Church

Mainz, Germany

The church of St. Christoph in Mainz, known in German as St. Christoph zu Mainz, is an example of early gothic architecture. St. Christoph was originally built between 1240 and 1330. In the 17th and 18th century, the church was renovated and redesigned in Baroque architecture. The church is associated with Johannes Gutenberg, who may have been baptised there.

During World War II it was razed except for the external walls. During the great air raid on Mainz on 12 and 13 August 1942 St. Christopher burned down, whereas a renewed bombing on 27 February 1945 with tactical demolition bombs brought the vaults to collapse. The outer walls have been restored and protected on the north side by concrete columns. The new buttresses have been provided with a relief by the Mainz sculptor Heinz Hemrich carrying symbolic representations of the city's history. Today ruins represent the central war memorial in the city of Mainz, in memory of the victims and the destruction of the city in World War II, such as the bombing of Mainz on 27 February 1945.

Right next to the church stands the most modern Gutenberg statue of the city. It was created to celebrate the year 2000 Gutenberg celebrations of Mainz by sculptor Karl Heinz Oswald. The iron sculpture displays the Gutenberg printing press. Gutenberg used for printing a wooden press, reminiscent of construction, mechanics and operation of a wine press. The windows in the chancel and the glass wall in the chancel were designed by Alois Plum.

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Details

Founded: 1240-1330
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Wayne Ralph (17 months ago)
This is such an important place to visit win in Mainz due to the historic nature of the site. It is one of the few ruins left over after the war and a place that definitely should be preserved so that we remember what it was actually like for them.
Markus “markobear1” (2 years ago)
Very impactful church visit with a great visual explanation and experience of the tragedy of war . Specifically the destruction caused by bombing during World war 2. Recommended
Danny Marvels (2 years ago)
Beautiful place. There's seats to sit in front of the church and a nice small park. The place itself is illuminated by some light installations. Its very quiet although you're in the middle of the city.
Monika Renate Barget (4 years ago)
Heavily damaged church in the city centre with war memorial. Part still standing is used by different denominations for prayer/ services and very suitable for smaller groups. Every Friday at 5 pm, there is an ecumencial peace prayer.
David Barlow (5 years ago)
A stark reminder about the past Left as it was when it was bombed With plaques and black and white photos to show how it was before and the devastation of the war ..... The way the displays are done on the one side of the church in different coloured sections is a neat and different way to highlight the story .... Simple and you don't need long , but thought provoking and take time to stand inside and take it in
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