St. Georg

The St. Georg Church, known locally as Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Georg, stands as a majestic testament to the rich tapestry of history and architectural evolution in Amberg, Bavaria. This striking basilica, with its roots deeply embedded in the Gothic era, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, with layers of Baroque embellishments that have been lovingly added over centuries.

The History of St. Georg

The origins of St. Georg date back to 1094, when it was first mentioned as a parish church standing outside the settlement. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the tumultuous history of the region. In the late 16th century, the church was closed for two decades before being handed over to the Jesuits in 1622. It then served various roles, including as a garrison and study church, before reclaiming its status as a parish church in 1923.

Excavations in 1977 unveiled remnants of its earliest predecessor, a hall church with an apse dating back to shortly after 1034. The current structure began taking shape in 1359, designed as a high Gothic three-nave basilica with a single-nave choir. The church saw its completion in stages, with the main hall finished around 1407 and the tower completed in the early 16th century.

Architectural Marvels of St. Georg

St. Georg is a visual delight, combining Gothic and Baroque elements in a harmonious blend. The exterior is marked by lancet windows in the side aisles and choir, while the clerestory features Baroque round windows. The robust buttresses of the choir add to its Gothic charm, while the west tower, integrated into the nave, narrows upward into an octagon topped with a dome and lantern.

Inside, the church is a stunning example of Baroque artistry overlaying Gothic proportions. The interior is adorned with exquisite stucco work by Johann Baptist Zimmermann, enveloping the original architectural elements like pillars, arches, and ribs. The twelve apostles, crafted by Zimmermann around 1720, hover above the arcade arches, each uniquely characterized.

Exploring the Interior

The church's interior is a feast for the eyes, with its vaulted ceiling resting on robust, profiled consoles. The main nave's vault is supported by ionic pilasters, while the choir features fluted Corinthian pilasters. The rounded pillars have been transformed into columns with ionic capitals, adding to the grandeur.

The frescoes by Johann Adam Müller depict the martyrdom of St. George, culminating in his beheading above the high altar. The northern aisle showcases scenes from the life of St. Ignatius, while the southern aisle highlights St. Francis Xavier. These artworks, restored in the early 1980s, offer a vivid narrative of devotion and sacrifice.

The Richly Adorned Altars

The church's altars are masterpieces in their own right. The imposing high altar, crafted in 1695, features a painting of St. George's glory by Johann Nepomuk Schöpf. The side altars, adorned with columns, were created in 1669, with paintings by Caspar de Crayer depicting St. Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier.

The Marian altar, opposite the high altar, presents Maria Immaculata, a creation by Johann Andreas Wolff. The tabernacle houses a revered image of the Virgin Mary, a Dutch panel painting from the late 15th century, known as Maria, the unburnt bush due to its survival during the Calvinist iconoclasm.

The Organ and Musical Heritage

St. Georg's musical legacy is equally impressive. The church originally housed a swallow's nest organ before 1500. After various reconstructions, the current organ, built by Orgelbau Oberlinger in 1981, is set for a significant update. Plans are underway to replace it with an East Bavarian Baroque-inspired gallery organ, honoring the church's rich musical tradition.

Conclusion

St. Georg in Amberg is not just a church; it is a living museum of art, history, and faith. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, from its early Gothic beginnings to its Baroque splendor. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art aficionado, or someone seeking spiritual solace, St. Georg offers a captivating journey through time, making it a must-visit landmark in Bavaria.