Sankt Johannes Baptist in Erding

Nestled in the charming Bavarian town of Erding, the Sankt Johannes Baptist Church, locally known as St. Johann, stands as an architectural and historical gem. This grand edifice, the largest church in Erding, is a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage and its evolution through the centuries. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Sankt Johannes Baptist in Erding promises a fascinating journey into the past.

The Architectural Marvel of Sankt Johannes Baptist

Sankt Johannes Baptist is a stunning example of late Gothic architecture, specifically the Landshut School of brick construction. The church's construction began in the late 14th century, replacing an older baptismal church. Its choir was completed between 1410 and 1420, and the nave was finished by 1464, when the church was consecrated. The church's exterior, with its impressive brickwork and Gothic elements, is a sight to behold, reflecting the architectural prowess of the time.

The interior of Sankt Johannes Baptist has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The original Gothic ribbed vaults were replaced with Baroque stucco ornaments during a renovation from 1668 to 1689, following damage from the Thirty Years' War and a devastating town fire in 1648. This Baroque makeover also saw the loss of the original Gothic altars, save for a few sculptures.

A Journey Through Time

In the late 19th century, the church underwent another significant renovation, this time in the Neo-Gothic style. From 1880 to 1882, the Baroque stucco was removed, and the Gothic cross-ribbed vaults were restored. The altars were also redesigned in the Neo-Gothic style, incorporating valuable sculptures from the earlier Gothic period. This renovation aimed to bring the church closer to its original Gothic splendor while incorporating elements of the historicist style prevalent at the time.

St. Johann became the parish church of Erding in 1891, having previously been part of the Altenerding parish. The final touches of the Neo-Gothic renovation were completed in 1898 with the restoration of the exterior walls and windows. After World War II, the church underwent partial restoration between 1952 and 1957 to repair war damages, and necessary repairs to the exterior and interior were carried out from 1976 onwards.

The Majestic Organ

The organ of Sankt Johannes Baptist is a masterpiece in its own right. Built in 1991 by Rieger Orgelbau under the direction of Christoph Glatter-Götz, this instrument boasts 50 registers across three manuals and a pedal. It features mechanical key action and electric stop action, producing a rich and varied sound palette. The organ's tones were even featured in the film Brother of Sleep, where it represented the village organ in Eschberg. Additionally, a smaller choir organ with five registers, built by Rieger in 1989, complements the main organ, adding to the church's musical heritage.

The Iconic Bell Tower

The church's bell tower, slightly set apart from the main structure, dates back to the late 14th century. This separation is steeped in local legend, with tales of the Erding Tower Shifter adding a touch of folklore to the church's history. The tower's Baroque dome, designed by Paul Gunetzrainer in 1651, crowns the 46-meter high, eight-story structure. Historically, the tower also served as the town's watchtower, with a watchman's quarters on the top floor, inhabited until 1945.

Today, visitors can climb the tower during guided tours, reaching the watchman's quarters 35 meters above ground. From this vantage point, one can enjoy breathtaking views of Erding, the surrounding countryside, and even the distant Alps on clear days. The tower also houses a six-bell chime in minor-major (a0–c1–d1–e1–g1–a1), with the five larger bells crafted by the local Czudnochowsky bell foundry. Every Saturday at 3 PM, the five-bell chime rings for three minutes to herald the approaching Sunday, and on major feast days, the deep a0 bell joins in.

In conclusion, Sankt Johannes Baptist in Erding is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of the town's history and architectural evolution. Its Gothic roots, Baroque transformations, and Neo-Gothic revival reflect the changing artistic and cultural currents over the centuries. Whether you're exploring its majestic interiors, marveling at its historic organ, or enjoying panoramic views from its iconic bell tower, a visit to Sankt Johannes Baptist is a journey through time and a celebration of Erding's rich heritage.