Erlöserkirche

The Erlöserkirche in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a magnificent example of neo-Romanesque architecture, standing proudly in the Südviertel district. This historic church, which has been a protected monument since 1986, offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the region. It serves not only as a place of worship for the Erlöserkirchengemeinde Holsterhausen but also as a venue for cultural events, including concerts by the Essen Bach Choir and the Gospel and More choir.

The History and Architecture of Erlöserkirche

The construction of the Erlöserkirche was a lengthy process, beginning with initial plans in 1896 and culminating in its consecration in 1909. The church complex originally included the church itself, a parsonage with a confirmation hall, and a bell tower that unified the structures. Although the church and tower were reconstructed after World War II to closely resemble their original appearance, the parsonage and confirmation hall were replaced with functional buildings reflecting the architectural tastes of the post-war era.

The Erlöserkirche is a hall church with a transept and a surrounding gallery. Its polygonal apse is flanked by two round towers, and the transept facades are similarly polygonal, with rounded ends for the gallery staircases that flank the facade. A broad staircase leads to a trio of columned portals that open into the narthex, set high and deeply recessed in the facade. Above, a series of seven round-arched windows is topped by a neo-Romanesque round window, with a gable adorned by a group of three ascending arcades. The central arch houses a statue of the Redeemer.

Architectural Inspirations

The neo-Romanesque style of the Erlöserkirche is characterized by its use of distinct architectural references, drawing inspiration from the romantic medieval revival of the 19th century. This style was heavily promoted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who saw it as a continuation of the imperial legacy of Frederick Barbarossa. The apse of the Erlöserkirche, for instance, echoes the design of the Worms Cathedral's west choir and towers, though with notable differences. The towers in Essen are divided into three segments, lacking the continuous dwarf gallery of the Worms Cathedral, and the apse's vertical articulation gives it a robust and compact appearance.

Architect Franz Schwechten skillfully adapted these archetypal Romanesque elements to create a unique interpretation that honors its historical influences. The portals reflect Saxon Romanesque origins, the gallery staircases echo the apse of Speyer Cathedral, and the round window design is reminiscent of Limburg Cathedral.

The Bell Tower and Bells

The most striking feature of the Erlöserkirche is undoubtedly its imposing bell tower, reminiscent of an Italian campanile. With a square base and minimally articulated walls, the tower exudes a sense of solidity. The belfry features round-arched arcades, topped by a further arcade framed by polygonal corner turrets. The tower's vertical articulation, with robust corner pilasters, culminates in a distinctive rhombus-shaped roof typical of Rhenish Romanesque architecture.

Since October 30, 1955, the tower has housed three bells, two of which were originally from the Evangelical Market Church in Essen. The oldest, cast in 1812, has a diameter of 1.15 meters and weighs 920 kilograms, with a strike tone of f1. Previously, it rang nightly from the Market Church tower. The largest bell, cast in 1842, has a diameter of 1.51 meters and weighs 2,310 kilograms, with a strike tone of d1. It once served as the city's fire bell. In 1955, a new bell was cast with the tone g1, weighing 749 kilograms, inscribed with a message of faith and unity.

The Interior of Erlöserkirche

Step inside the Erlöserkirche, and you'll find a space quite different from its exterior. The interior is a spacious hall that opens up to the altar, pulpit, and baptismal font. Four round pillars support the pendentives of the dome, while additional pillars support the cross-vaulting over the southern nave and choir gallery. The northern end features a vault over the altar and organ gallery, with a gallery encircling the interior to offer unobstructed views of the altar.

Renovation by Hugo Kükelhaus

In the post-war years, the interior of the Erlöserkirche underwent a transformation led by artist and interior designer Hugo Kükelhaus. His redesign emphasized simplicity and functionality, removing unnecessary ornamentation to create a space of greater visual height and breadth. The smooth plaster and light paint of the columns replaced the heavy appearance of the original masonry, allowing the arches to sweep gracefully through the space. The altar wall, stark and dark, contrasts with the bright baptismal font and altar table, while the new organ facade integrates seamlessly with the architecture. Kükelhaus also designed the grilles, doors, and windows, incorporating vibrant stained glass that adds a festive touch to the serene interior.