St. Georg

St. Georg, known locally as Sankt Georg, is a captivating architectural gem nestled in the historic heart of Hattingen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This magnificent church, with its towering spire and storied past, stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the local community. As you wander through the charming streets of Hattingen, the sight of St. Georg's distinctive twisted spire will undoubtedly draw you in, inviting you to explore its rich history and serene beauty.

The Historical Significance of St. Georg

St. Georg's origins date back to around the year 1200 when it was constructed from Ruhrsandstein, a local sandstone. However, the site itself has a history that stretches even further back. During excavations in 1972, remnants of a Romanesque pillar base and two column bases from after 820 were discovered, hinting at the church's long-standing significance in the region.

The church has seen its fair share of turmoil. In the early 15th century, Hattingen and St. Georg were ravaged by wars, leading to the destruction of the church in 1424 and 1429. The subsequent reconstruction efforts, completed around 1450, gave rise to the Gothic elements that can still be seen today, such as the ribbed vaults and pointed arch windows, now bricked up.

Over the centuries, St. Georg has undergone numerous renovations. In 1804, a stone fell from the deteriorating vault, prompting a significant restoration between 1807 and 1810. During this period, the original vault was replaced with a wooden ceiling, and the Baroque interior decorations were removed. The church was also originally plastered and whitewashed, though this was removed in 1932, revealing the underlying stonework that we see today.

The Iconic Twisted Spire

One of St. Georg's most distinctive features is its twisted spire, which reaches a height of 56.73 meters, including the weather vane. The spire's noticeable lean towards the southwest has given rise to various local legends. Some say it was designed this way to ensure that if struck by lightning, it would fall away from the church, while others attribute it to the revenge of an underpaid carpenter. Regardless of its origin, this unique feature has earned St. Georg a place in the Association of Twisted Spires of Europe, a group of 90 such towers across the continent.

The Church's Interior and Surroundings

Stepping inside St. Georg, visitors are greeted by the serene atmosphere and the beauty of its stained glass windows, which depict twenty biblical scenes. These windows, designed by Professor E. Bischoff from Gelsenkirchen, were installed starting in 1950 and add a vibrant touch to the church's interior.

Outside, the church is surrounded by a green space dotted with 26 gravestones, remnants of the former churchyard. The oldest gravestone dates back to 1617, and the churchyard was used for burials until March 31, 1813. The last graves were leveled in 1848, but the gravestones remain as silent witnesses to the past. Additionally, a monument commemorates those who fell during the Franco-Prussian War.

To the east of the churchyard once stood the Heilig-Geist-Spital, a hospital and guesthouse established by the Order of the Holy Spirit in 1474. This institution provided care for the sick and elderly, who did not have the same familial support as those in rural areas. The building was renewed in 1780 and served as a poorhouse and orphanage until 1919, with some Hattingen residents still remembering their time there as orphans.

The Organ and Bells

Music lovers will appreciate the church's organ, installed in 1830 by organ builder Christian Roetzel from Alpe in the Bergisches Land. The organ features a combination of original and modern registers, creating a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary sounds.

St. Georg is also home to four bells, cast from steel and installed in 1950 after being used at the Evangelical Church Congress in Essen. Each bell bears an inscription, with the largest weighing 2,800 kg and inscribed with O Land, Land, Land, höre des Herrn Wort (O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord). The bells mark the passage of time, with the quarter-hour chimes sounding on the third and fourth bells and the hour chime on the largest bell.

In conclusion, St. Georg in Hattingen is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history and culture. Its architectural beauty, fascinating history, and unique features make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the charming town of Hattingen. Whether you're drawn by its storied past, its serene atmosphere, or simply the sight of its iconic twisted spire, St. Georg promises a visit rich in history and beauty.