St. Martin

St. Martin’s Church in Ettlingen, situated just south of Karlsruhe in the picturesque region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is an awe-inspiring testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. This Roman Catholic parish church, now a protected monument, stands as a beacon of the town's rich past, with its roots stretching back to the Roman era.

The Romanesque and Gothic Origins

The origins of St. Martin’s Church date back to the Roman era. Evidence of this ancient heritage can be found in the remnants of a Roman bathhouse, constructed around 200 AD, which now lies beneath the church's current structure. The church itself began its journey as a Romanesque house of worship around 1120. The lower part of the original west tower, built during this period, still stands today, along with the altar area, which is crowned by the tower’s construction. Romanesque window embrasures on the north and south walls of the altar room offer a glimpse into this early architectural phase.

In 1246, the church underwent significant expansion, transforming into a three-aisled structure. By 1360, the church embraced the Gothic style, with the westward expansion featuring new window openings adorned with intricate tracery. The tower was also enhanced with an octagonal upper section, complete with Gothic sound windows, which remain a striking feature of the church.

In 1459, St. Martin’s Church was elevated to the status of a collegiate church. This led to the construction of a choir room, a chapter hall, and a larger sacristy for the 24 canons. The Gothic collegiate choir houses a coat of arms of Johann von Enzberg, the Bishop of Speyer, adding a touch of historical significance to the sacred space.

The Baroque Revival

The tumultuous period of the Palatine War of Succession in 1689 saw Ettlingen devastated by fire, which almost completely destroyed the nave of St. Martin’s Church. However, the charred tower and the collegiate choir, though roofless, survived the inferno. The church’s reconstruction spanned two main phases. Between 1699 and 1715, the choir was restored, and the tower was capped with its distinctive baroque dome, secured with an iron ring. From 1732 to 1734, the baroque nave was rebuilt according to the plans of Johann Michael Ludwig Rohrer, a master builder from Rastatt, who passed away in 1732. This period also saw the addition of a west gable, an organ loft, and two corner galleries above the side altars. The majority of the reconstruction costs were borne by Margravine Augusta Sibylla, with some contributions from the Lichtenthal Abbey. On May 19, 1739, the church was consecrated by Cardinal Damian Hugo Philipp von Schönborn-Buchheim, the Prince-Bishop of Speyer.

The 19th and 20th Centuries

In 1874, the church’s baroque interior was stripped away due to a supposed infestation of woodworms. This led to the removal of the high altar, side altars, and galleries. The church lost its status as a parish church in 1906 to the newly built Sacred Heart Church. However, in 1930, under the direction of City Pastor Augustin Kast, the church was richly re-furnished, acquiring a communion rail from Arzo in Ticino, a Marian altar from the episcopal palace in Lugano, and a Sacred Heart altar from Hirschfeld in the Hunsrück. Marble steps were also added to the choir entrance.

St. Martin’s Church regained its status as a curate church on October 1, 1934, and finally reclaimed its parish church title in 1948. Post-World War II, the church’s interior was gradually re-furnished, with new stained glass windows installed in 1950 to replace those damaged during the war. In 1988, the Karlsruhe painter Emil Wachter created a ceiling painting depicting biblical themes in contemporary contexts. In 1997, the church received two new bells, the Rupert Mayer Bell and the Ecumenical Bell, donated from the estate of the deceased sacristan Alfred Becker.

The Parish Community in the 21st Century

Since October 1, 2005, St. Martin’s Church has been part of the Ettlingen City pastoral unit, alongside the Sacred Heart and Our Lady parishes, serving approximately 8,000 Catholics. This union has strengthened the community, fostering a shared spiritual journey among its members.

The Bells of St. Martin’s Church

The church is home to a six-part bronze bell ensemble, each bell contributing to the harmonious chimes that resonate through the town, marking the passage of time and calling the faithful to prayer.

The Interior Treasures

The interior of St. Martin’s Church is a treasure trove of religious art and artifacts. It features a main altar, two side altars (a Marian altar on the left and a Sacred Heart altar on the right), a richly decorated pulpit, a Pietà, numerous statues of saints, and a crucifixion group. The church’s organ, originally built by the Stieffell brothers in 1823, has undergone several restorations and modifications over the years, maintaining its original 31 registers across two manuals and a pedal.

In conclusion, St. Martin’s Church in Ettlingen is not merely a place of worship but a living museum of architectural styles, historical events, and religious art. Its walls echo with centuries of prayers, its windows filter the light of countless dawns, and its bells toll the rhythms of a community bound by faith and history. A visit to this venerable church is a journey through time, offering a profound connection to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ettlingen.