St. Nicolai

St. Nicolai Church, also known locally as St. Nikolai, stands majestically at the eastern edge of the old town of Döbeln in Saxony, Germany. This architectural gem, with its towering presence and rich history, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. Built in the 14th century, the church has undergone numerous transformations due to various damages over the centuries, yet it retains its historical charm and significance.

The History of St. Nicolai

The exact origins of St. Nicolai Church remain somewhat mysterious. The first documented mention of a pastor at this site dates back to 1293. The original simple church building was destroyed in a devastating town fire in 1333. In response, the construction of a three-nave basilica in the early Gothic architectural style began. By 1479, the church had been remodeled into a late Gothic hall church, reflecting the evolving architectural preferences of the time.

The church has not been immune to the ravages of time and disaster. A significant fire in 1730 caused extensive damage, particularly to the church tower. The fire, which started in the early hours of June 21st, consumed much of the town, including the church's tower. Following this calamity, the surviving square lower tower was rebuilt with a new upper tower featuring an octagonal design starting at a height of 30 meters. This reconstruction added a baroque flair to the church's appearance.

Throughout the centuries, St. Nicolai has seen numerous repairs, additions, and modifications. Despite these changes, the core structure of the church remains largely as it was in the 15th century. This historical continuity led to the church being placed under monument protection in the 1970s. Significant restoration work in 1885, led by architects Hugo Altendorff and Paul Hentschel, introduced notable changes to the window designs of the choir and nave, as well as the redesign of smaller pointed arch doors under neo-Gothic influences.

In the wake of German reunification, extensive interior renovations were carried out in 1997, aiming to restore the church to its original design and decor. However, the church faced another challenge during the flood disaster of August 2002, which caused considerable damage that required further restoration efforts completed by 2004-2005.

Architectural Highlights

The architectural splendor of St. Nicolai is immediately apparent. The west side of the church is dominated by a massive 68-meter-high tower. The lower part of the tower features an oversized square base, which transitions into a more slender, octagonal baroque form above the roofline of the main nave. This upper section includes a walkable platform offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The tower is crowned with a double-curved roof structure featuring two lanterns and a spire.

The main entrance, located at the base of the tower, is a stunning Gothic portal dating back to 1370. This entrance, with its rich profiling and decorative elements, was further embellished during the 1885 restoration. The south side of the church features two additional, smaller pointed arch portals.

Surrounding the church are 24 buttresses that support the nave, the southern sacristy (known as the Mary Chapel), the choir, and the tower. The nave itself consists of a central aisle with a star vault and two side aisles with simple cross vaults. The sacristy addition obscures the former large pointed arch portal on the south side, which is made of sandstone. Adjacent to the tower and the south side of the nave are two stair towers with pointed roofs, added in 1885.

The tracery of the choir windows dates back to the 14th century, adding another layer of historical depth to the church's architecture.

The Bells of St. Nicolai

For centuries, the tower of St. Nicolai has housed a four-part bell ensemble. In the 16th century, the Hilliger foundry in Freiberg cast four bronze bells for the church. However, these bells were destroyed in a lightning strike in 1629. New bells were subsequently cast, but they too were lost in the 1730 fire. The Dresden-based foundry Michael Weinhold was then commissioned to create four new bells, which were installed in 1731.

These bells remained in place for centuries until the First World War, when three of the largest bells were requisitioned for the war effort. In 1921, four new steel bells were installed, thanks to significant donations from Döbeln residents. These bells served the church until 2011, when they were removed due to their deteriorating condition and placed on display outside the church.

In 2012, the church commissioned the Rudolf Perner foundry in Passau to cast new bronze bells. These new bells feature inscriptions and artistic designs, including the Lamb of God, St. Nicholas, the Christogram, and the church's baptismal font. The new bells were dedicated on March 18, 2012, marking a new chapter in the church's auditory history.

Interior Splendor

The interior of St. Nicolai is equally impressive, with its current color scheme dating back to 1929. Significant renovations in 1976-1977 ensured the structural integrity of the building. Upon entering through the main portal, visitors find themselves in a foyer that forms the base of the square tower, featuring a star-shaped vault from the 15th century.

The central nave is flanked by two side aisles, each with galleries. The main columns of the hall vault have an octagonal cross-section, and the ceiling features a combination of star and cross-ribbed vaults. The choir and its forebay are spanned by intricate net vaults.

The Altar and Other Artistic Elements

The church's altar is a remarkable example of sacred art in Saxony. This intricate winged altar, created around 1520 by the Master of the Döbeln High Altar, a presumed student of Cranach from the Freiberg school, stands at an impressive 11 meters tall. The central part of the altar, or shrine, features carved figures of Saints Wenceslaus, Nicholas, and Leonard. The shrine is flanked by decorative rods, each supporting two small figures. The left rod features Hieronymus and Augustine, while the right rod features Gregory the Great and Ambrose.

The altar wings display standing carved figures, including the Evangelists at writing desks. The left wing features John the Evangelist and St. Florian, while the right wing displays Mary Magdalene and St. Barbara.

The Renaissance pulpit, crafted by Daniel Schatz in 1599, is another highlight. This intricately carved piece features a stepped soundboard and abundant figurative decoration. The inside of the pulpit door showcases a lifelike painting of the Apostle Peter.

Other notable elements include a 1470 communion chalice and a 16th-century relief.

The Baptismal Fonts

St. Nicolai houses two baptismal fonts. The newer font, located near the altar, is made of Elbe sandstone with green serpentine columns. The older font, located in the southern aisle, dates back to 1603 and is a Renaissance masterpiece by H. Köhler the Younger, also made of Elbe sandstone.

The Organ

The church's organ, built in 1929 by the Eule organ-building company in Bautzen, was influenced by the late Romantic sound ideals of Max Reger. The organ was extensively restored by the original builders in 2000-2001, ensuring its continued use in the church's musical life.

In conclusion, St. Nicolai Church in Döbeln is a testament to the resilience and enduring beauty of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic treasures make it a captivating destination for visitors to Saxony.