Burgkapelle St. Jakobus

Discover the enchanting Burgkapelle St. Jakobus, a hidden gem nestled in the Burgberg district of Lichtenfels, Bavaria. This charming Roman Catholic chapel, with its centuries-old history and architectural beauty, offers a serene retreat and a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

The History of Burgkapelle St. Jakobus

Burgkapelle St. Jakobus has a storied past that dates back to the early 14th century. Although the earliest documented mention of the chapel was in 1513, it is believed that its origins may stretch as far back as 1321. This ancient chapel has witnessed numerous historical events and transformations over the centuries. During the Second Margrave War in 1553, the chapel was destroyed but was subsequently rebuilt, with significant renovations including a new roof in 1737 and an expansion to the west.

In 1806, during the Fourth Coalition War, the French army used the chapel as a magazine and internment site for Prussian soldiers. After the war, the chapel underwent restoration and was rededicated in 1830. The addition of a sacristy in 1876, which was later removed around 1960, and various restorations, including a significant one in 1929, have helped preserve this historical structure. The chapel's roof rider was also renovated in 1933.

Architectural Marvels

The Burgkapelle St. Jakobus stands proudly on a southwestern spur of the Burgberg, overlooking the old town of Lichtenfels. Constructed from unplastered sandstone blocks, the chapel features a gabled roof that slopes gently to the east and west. Its simple yet elegant design includes a single-nave structure with a recessed, straight-closed choir. The choir's side walls extend about a meter beyond the eaves, adding a unique architectural touch.

The choir is illuminated by a rectangular window on the south wall and a round-arched window on the north wall, with a central window adorned with tracery. A round-arched chancel arch connects the choir to the two-bay nave, which is lit by three round-arched windows on the south wall, a single round-arched window on the north wall, and an oval window on the west wall. The interior is graced with a wooden flat ceiling over a hollow cove, and a wooden gallery stands in front of the west wall. The chapel's windows and doors are framed, with the doors featuring additional ears.

The roof rider, covered in sheet metal, boasts a square base with four round-arched sound windows. Topping this structure is an octagonal pointed helmet with a knob and cross, adding a touch of elegance to the chapel's silhouette.

Artistic and Religious Treasures

Step inside the Burgkapelle St. Jakobus, and you'll be greeted by a wealth of artistic and religious treasures. The main altar, crafted around 1700, is a masterpiece of marbled woodwork. At its center stands a neo-Gothic wooden statue of St. James, flanked by twisted free-standing columns. On either side of the altar are wooden statues of Saints Peter and Paul, dating back to around 1510. The altar's upper section features a radiant monogram of Jesus surrounded by putti.

The side altar showcases an over-life-sized wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, dating from the early 17th century. The chapel's ceiling paintings, created in 1919 by Bamberg artist Hans Bayerlein, depict scenes from the chapel's history, including the destruction of Lichtenfels Castle during the Peasants' War. A wall painting of St. Christopher, dating from the early 17th century, adds to the chapel's artistic charm.

The Pulpit and Organ

The chapel's pulpit, made of dark-stained wood, is a fine example of 18th-century craftsmanship. The baluster-shaped railing of the pulpit stairs dates to the second quarter of the 18th century. The polygonal basket of the pulpit features relief figures of the Savior and Saints Peter, Paul, Henry, and Cunigunde. The frieze zone of the pulpit's cornice bears a Latin Bible verse and the year 1624. The octagonal sound cover, adorned with an entablature of the Ionic order and putti heads at the corners, is a testament to the chapel's rich history. It is believed that the pulpit may have originated from the Langheim Monastery or the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

The chapel's organ, installed in 1996 by the organ-building workshop Benedikt Friedrich from Oberasbach, features five registers on a manual and pedal, providing a beautiful musical accompaniment to the chapel's services.

A Visit to Burgkapelle St. Jakobus

Visiting Burgkapelle St. Jakobus offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Bavaria's religious and architectural heritage. The chapel's serene atmosphere, combined with its rich history and artistic treasures, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region's cultural legacy. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Burgkapelle St. Jakobus promises a memorable and enriching experience.