Dorfkirche Gollma

Nestled in the charming village of Gollma, a quaint district of Landsberg in the Saalekreis, Sachsen-Anhalt, stands the Dorfkirche Gollma, a beacon of history and architectural splendor. This village church, registered under the local monument directory, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded within its walls.

The Historical Tapestry

The roots of Dorfkirche Gollma stretch back to 1257 when it was first mentioned as a filial church of Landsberg. The church's journey through time is marked by significant transformations and events. In 1471, a polygonal choir was added to the original Romanesque structure, a feature that, albeit altered, still graces the church today. However, disaster struck in 1734 when a fire razed the church to its foundations.

Rising from the ashes, the church was rebuilt between 1737 and 1741 in the Baroque style, incorporating the surviving choir into the new design. A double-story patronage box was added to the north side, enhancing its architectural complexity. Over the years, the church has seen numerous refurbishments, including the addition of five stained glass windows in the altar area in 1897 and decorative cartouches in the 1930s. A comprehensive interior renovation took place from 1998 to 2002, with further restoration of the choir windows in 2012. A winter church was established in the patronage box by 2016, and a thorough woodworm treatment was conducted in 2021.

Architectural Splendor

The Dorfkirche Gollma is an exemplary single-nave Baroque hall church with a polygonal east end. The structure is accentuated by buttresses, giving it a distinct and robust appearance. The west tower, adorned with corner rustication, stands proudly with its square base, crowned by a slate-covered dome with a lantern and weather vane at approximately 25 meters high. The church's northern side features a rectangular, two-story patronage box, now home to the winter church.

Inside, the church offers a bright and spacious ambiance, with a white flat ceiling adorned with subtle stucco mirrors. The grand Baroque altar, crafted in 1736, is framed by four Corinthian columns and topped with cherubs and a radiant glory, spanning the entire width of the choir space. The baptismal stand is richly decorated with cartilage carvings, and the horseshoe-shaped gallery, double-storied, adds to the interior's grandeur. The gallery beneath the organ gracefully extends forward, featuring a simple, openwork balustrade.

The Musical Heart

The church houses a magnificent organ, constructed by August Ferdinand Wäldner, featuring a rounded arch prospect. With 24 registers on two manuals and a pedal, it ranks among the largest instruments from Wäldner's workshop. The organ's mechanical action was preserved, although the prospect pipes were replaced with zinc pipes in the 1920s. A thorough restoration in 2006 ensured its continued splendor and functionality.

The Bells of Gollma

The original bells were lost in the 1734 fire, but in 1737, Martin Heintze from Leipzig crafted a new set, one of his largest surviving chimes. These richly decorated bells resonate in the tones d′ – e′ – a′, constituting one of the few preserved Baroque chimes in Sachsen-Anhalt. The bell frame, made of oak, was updated with new clappers and an electric control system post-1990. The inscriptions on the bells were cataloged for the first time in 2020, adding another layer to their historical significance.

A Visit to Remember

Visiting the Dorfkirche Gollma is like stepping back in time, where each stone and artifact tells a story of resilience and devotion. The church is not only a place of spiritual solace but also an architectural gem that offers insights into the artistic and cultural evolution of the region.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, the Dorfkirche Gollma promises an enriching experience. Its serene atmosphere, coupled with the echoes of its storied past, makes it a must-visit destination in the heart of Sachsen-Anhalt. As you explore this remarkable church, you will find yourself captivated by its enduring beauty and the timeless stories it holds within its walls.