Petrikirche (Dortmund)

The St. Petri Church, or Petrikirche, in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, stands as a remarkable example of Westphalian hall churches in the high Gothic style. Nestled in the bustling heart of Dortmund's city center, this sacred structure, with its nearly square floor plan and relatively short choir, is a testament to medieval architectural ingenuity and spiritual devotion.

The History of Petrikirche

The Petrikirche, alongside the Reinoldikirche and Marienkirche, forms a trio of medieval churches located directly on the Westenhellweg in downtown Dortmund. The construction of this three-bay building began in 1322, utilizing light sandstone that gives it a distinctive appearance. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various transformations, yet it has retained its original medieval form, characterized by cross-gable roofs over the aisles that present a series of small pointed gables to the observer.

One of the most striking features of the Petrikirche is its towering spire. After a collapse in 1752, the spire remained absent for a long period. It was not until November 17, 1981, following the destruction of World War II, that the spire was restored to its historical height. Today, the spire stands at an impressive 60 meters, consisting of a 15-meter-high base and a 48-meter-high spire topped with a globe and cross. This height is a product of an old rivalry for the tallest church tower in the city between the Reinoldikirche and Petrikirche during the 15th and 16th centuries. The total height of the Petrikirche, after the restoration of the tower, reaches 105 meters.

The Interior and Its Treasures

Upon entering the Petrikirche, visitors are greeted by the Golden Wonder of Westphalia, a magnificent carved altar. This late Gothic winged altar (Antwerp retable) from 1521 is a sight to behold. When closed, the altar depicts the Adoration of the Eucharist. In its first unfolded state, the altar reveals 36 detailed images. On festive occasions, the fully opened altar displays 30 compartments filled with gilded carved figures, each telling a unique story from religious history.

The Organ

The church's organ is another noteworthy feature. Although the small post-war organ (17 registers on 2 manuals and pedal) by the Walcker company never quite filled the space of the Petrikirche musically, a new organ contract was signed at the end of 2013. Organ builder Schulte was commissioned to rebuild the romantic organ, originally built in 1868 by the English company Radcliff & Sagar for St. Mary’s Church in Woodkirk near Leeds, which had been dismantled due to the church's closure. The entire technology, wind system, wind chests, case, and console were crafted in Schulte's workshop in Kürten, resulting in an instrument that now resembles a new build. The organ, housed in a simple 7.5-meter-high cube with a cross-section of 3 × 2 meters, contains 1,049 pipes and offers a polarizing yet fascinating glimpse into the organ's inner workings through its grey-stained birch wood panels. The free-standing, movable console is connected to the organ via a LAN cable, with a Castellan system from the Sinua company handling the control after the organist.

The Bells

The historical bell ensemble consisted of four bronze bells (c′ 1710, es′ 1639, e′ 1497, ges′ 1639). Although these bells were spared from requisition during World War II, they were destroyed when the church was bombed in 1945. Today, the bell ensemble consists of five cast steel bells from the Bochum Association, continuing the tradition of calling the faithful to worship and marking the passage of time.

The Modern Role of Petrikirche

In a response to declining congregation numbers and associated financial challenges, the formerly independent St. Petri congregation merged with the Nicolai and Martin congregations on July 1, 2007, to form the Evangelical Parish of St. Petri-Nicolai. This new parish serves approximately 9,000 members, ensuring that the Petrikirche remains a vibrant center of worship and community activity.

The Petrikirche, together with the historic well located north of the choir, is listed as a monument in Dortmund's heritage register, underscoring its cultural and historical importance. This church is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of medieval architecture, a repository of sacred art, and a beacon of the community's enduring faith.

In conclusion, the St. Petri Church in Dortmund is a captivating destination for anyone interested in Gothic architecture, ecclesiastical history, and religious art. Its towering spire, exquisite altar, and resonant bells offer a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Dortmund, making it an essential stop for visitors to this vibrant German city.