Neuwerkkirche

The Neuwerkkirche, also known locally as Neuwerkkirche Goslar, stands as a testament to medieval architecture and spiritual heritage in the picturesque town of Goslar, Lower Saxony, Germany. This former monastic church, dating back to the 12th century, now serves as an Evangelical parish church, preserving its Romanesque origins in remarkable detail. Its storied past and architectural beauty make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a serene and inspiring experience.

The Origins of Neuwerkkirche

The history of Neuwerkkirche begins in the latter part of the 12th century when the imperial bailiff Volkmar and his wife Helena founded a nunnery outside the medieval city walls of Goslar. They endowed it with extensive lands in the surrounding area. The church's initial consecration took place on January 1, 1186, and that same year, the first abbess, Antonia, arrived with twelve nuns from Ichtershausen in Thuringia. The monastery, originally named St. Maria in horto (St. Mary in the Garden), was renamed Neuwerkkirche in the early 13th century, though the reason for this change remains a mystery.

Architectural Marvels

The Neuwerkkirche is a cruciform, vaulted three-aisled basilica constructed from plastered rubble stone. The western facade is dominated by two octagonal towers, a distinctive feature that adds to the church's grandeur. The main portal, located on the north side, is richly profiled, inviting visitors into its historical embrace. The nave consists of three bays, executed in a bound system, with the transept and choir extending eastward, each terminating in an apse. The apses of the transept are simply articulated with pilasters and cornices, while the two-story main apse boasts a more elaborate design, featuring half-columns and an arcaded frieze in the lower section, and a blind arcade supported by free-standing columns in the upper section. The capitals and shafts of these columns are intricately crafted, showcasing the skill and artistry of medieval stonemasons.

Interior Splendor

Stepping inside Neuwerkkirche, visitors are greeted by the Romanesque rib and transverse arches that define the central nave vault. The services before the main piers continue into the ribs and transverse arches of the vault, creating a harmonious architectural flow. Notably, the varying heights of the capitals add a dynamic visual element. The smaller intermediate piers that separate the groin-vaulted side aisles from the central nave are adorned with small columns at the edges.

The church's interior is home to several unique architectural features. At the four main piers of the central bay, the services in the upper part project forward as loops, each adorned with symbolic representations: on the south side, the Devil and an ouroboros (a snake biting its own tail) symbolize evil, while on the north side, a blessed Samson and a victor's wreath represent good. A half-relief of an angel, dating from around 1200, is located on the southern central pier of the western bay arches. The angel holds a scroll with the Leonine hexameter: Miri facta vide laudando viri lapicide (Behold with praise the works of the remarkable stonemason), and at his feet, the name of the artist, Wilhelmi, is inscribed.

Richly Adorned Walls

The wall paintings in Neuwerkkirche date back to the 13th century. These were uncovered and restored in 1874/75, with further restorations in 1950 and 2001/02 aiming to revive the medieval aesthetic. In the vault of the main apse, a depiction of the blessing Christ seated on his mother's lap is a focal point. Their throne rests upon the seven steps of bliss, flanked by twelve lions at the ends of the steps. The two lions adjacent to the throne represent the Archangel Gabriel and the Evangelist John. Above the Madonna's head, seven doves symbolize the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The scene is framed by Peter, Paul, and two kneeling figures, an archangel, and the protomartyr Stephen.

Artistic and Historical Treasures

Neuwerkkirche houses a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. The triumphal cross, dating from the early 16th century, stands at 3.2 meters tall, with hair and a crown of thorns crafted from natural materials. A sandstone relief on the west side of the northern side aisle, from the 15th century, depicts Christ bidding farewell to his mother on Maundy Thursday. The former rood screen from the 13th century, repurposed as an organ loft in 1843, features a pulpit adorned with stucco reliefs of Christ as King presenting the heavenly crown to Mary. A blessing Christ, dating from around 1240, is depicted in the arch between the western and central bays of the main nave.

The tomb of the monastery's founders, dating from the mid-15th century, replaced an original Romanesque grave slab. It features the imperial bailiff Volkmar and his wife Helena. Originally located in the center of the crossing, the tomb was moved to the northern transept apse in the 1960s, revealing that the grave itself had been emptied. A sacrament house from 1483 stands on the northern side of the main apse, while a Pietà from 1476 graces the southern side aisle apse. Another Pietà, likely older, is situated in the northern side aisle apse.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ, built by Rudolf von Beckerath in 1972, features 26 registers and was inaugurated by Helmut Walcha. The tower of Neuwerkkirche houses five medieval bells, one of the oldest sets of bells in Germany, adding to the church's historical significance.

Enduring Legacy

While the medieval buildings of the monastery have not survived, the current structures, dating from the 18th century, continue to serve the parish community. Neuwerkkirche stands as a beacon of spiritual and architectural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and marvel at its enduring beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, Neuwerkkirche offers a captivating journey through time in the heart of Goslar.