St. Jakobus der Ältere, often known as St. Jakobi or the Jakobikirche, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Goslar's old town. This magnificent church, with its striking twin towers and intricate architectural details, is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the city's enduring legacy.
Dating back to its founding in the 11th century, St. Jakobus der Ältere is one of Goslar's oldest churches, second only to the Stiftskirche St. Simon und Judas. It was established by Bishop Hezilo of Hildesheim as a demonstration of ecclesiastical presence near the imperial palace. The church is first mentioned in a document from 1073, highlighting its long-standing significance in the region.
Initially, the church served both as a symbol of the bishop's authority and as a community church for the citizens of Goslar. The dedication to St. James suggests that affluent pilgrims, possibly on their way to Santiago de Compostela, were among its early patrons. During the High Middle Ages, however, St. Jakobi took a backseat to the larger market church of St. Cosmas and Damian, becoming the church for local craft guilds.
In the 16th century, St. Jakobi played a pivotal role in the spread of Lutheranism in Goslar. The Articuli Jacobitarum, a set of demands made in 1528, urged the city council to adopt the Reformation. This led to a public debate between the city's clergy and the reformer Nikolaus von Amsdorf. By 1531, with Amsdorf's church ordinance, all of Goslar's churches, including St. Jakobi, had embraced Lutheranism.
Following the Reformation, St. Jakobi was affiliated with the Marktkirche congregation and was primarily used for funerary services. An inscription on the south tower commemorates a restoration undertaken in 1732, a testament to its enduring presence in the cityscape.
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The original St. Jakobi was a Romanesque basilica with a flat ceiling and three naves. In the 12th century, it received the impressive westwork, featuring two octagonal towers with conical roofs. This structure, adorned with sculptures, remains a defining feature of the church, although its visual impact is somewhat diminished by the later raised roof of the nave.
Significant changes occurred around 1250 when the nave's flat ceiling was replaced with a vaulted one, supported by reinforced pillars with ornate capitals in late Romanesque and early Gothic styles. Soon after, the original choir and apse were replaced with a larger Gothic choir featuring intricate tracery windows.
The most profound transformation took place between 1506 and 1512, when the church was converted into a hall church by demolishing the old side aisles and constructing new, wider ones. This renovation included the addition of an elaborate south portal and vestibule.
Inside, St. Jakobi boasts an extensive Baroque interior, much of which was transferred from the dissolved Riechenberg Abbey. This includes the high altar, side altars, a confessional, and pews. The oldest piece is a late Gothic Pietà by Hans Witten from 1520. From its Lutheran period, the church retains a baptismal font, pulpit, and organ case in Renaissance style.
The organ case dates back to 1690, and the organ itself, with its 22 registers, was refurbished in 1973. The church's bell, cast in 1480, features rare engravings that have been recognized for their art historical significance.
Today, the parish of St. Jakobus der Ältere, along with its three filial churches in Grauhof, Jürgenohl, and Oker, serves nearly 6,000 members. A former filial church in Sudmerberg was deconsecrated in 2006. Since 2013, the parish has utilized a community center located opposite the church, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
St. Jakobus der Ältere is not merely a relic of the past; it is a living monument, a beacon of faith, and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Goslar. Its walls echo the stories of centuries, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the spiritual and historical journey of this remarkable church.
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