In the heart of the charming Thuringian town of Mühlhausen, Germany, stands Divi Blasii, an architectural marvel and a testament to centuries of history and faith. Known locally as St. Blasius, this Gothic church is one of Mühlhausen's two principal churches, the other being St. Mary's. With its stunning façade and rich historical significance, Divi Blasii is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
The origins of Divi Blasii trace back to around 1276 when the Teutonic Order began its construction. However, the site itself has a much older history, with predecessor buildings dating back to the early 12th century. The church was initially named after Saint Blaise, a name that evolved to Divi Blasii around 1600, reflecting the Latin term divus meaning divine.
In 1556, the church transitioned from the Teutonic Order to a Lutheran congregation, marking a significant shift in its religious affiliation. Johann Sebastian Bach, the renowned composer, served as the organist here from July 1707 to July 1708. During his tenure, he was commissioned to design a new organ, a testament to his musical prowess. Bach also composed the cantata Gott ist mein König (God is my King) for the city's council, a work that remains a historical treasure.
Divi Blasii is a three-aisle, cruciform hall church, a style that exudes Gothic elegance. The church's elaborate display façade on the north side is adorned with intricate tracery, pinnacles, and a magnificent wheel window, reminiscent of the grandeur of northern French cathedrals. The nave and the choir polygon, constructed between 1276 and 1282, feature a cross-ribbed vault with keystones decorated with symbols of Christ's virtues.
The church's west side boasts two octagonal stone towers, each standing 42 meters high. These towers, dating back to around 1245–65, are characterized by Romanesque style elements and house valuable medieval bells. The south-west tower contains a bell from 1281, considered the oldest dated bell in Thuringia. The west entrance, adorned with a tympanum depicting the crucifixion of Christ, serves as the main access point for visitors today.
Step inside Divi Blasii, and you'll be greeted by an array of historical artifacts and artistic masterpieces. The church houses important gravestones from the 13th and 14th centuries, a late Gothic pulpit, Renaissance-era epitaphs, and an octagonal baptismal font from 1596. A statue of Martin Luther, dating back to 1903, stands as a reminder of the church's Lutheran heritage.
Despite the destruction of the interior's convertible altars during the iconoclasm of the mid-16th century, the high altar in the choir polygon has been largely preserved. This altar features depictions of the life of the Virgin Mary and various saints. The choir and crossing are separated by a baroque forged lattice from around 1640, adding to the church's historical charm. The choir windows, dating from 1310–1330, depict St. John the Baptist and St. Blasius of Sebaste, and were restored around 1900 by the Linnemann workshop in Frankfurt.
One of the highlights of Divi Blasii's history is its connection to Johann Sebastian Bach. Although Bach's original organ from 1709 has not survived, the church today houses an instrument built according to his specifications. This organ, constructed by the Alexander Schuke organ building company in the 1950s, features three manuals and 42 stops, making it one of the few organs in the world designed to match Bach's specific stoplist. The organ was inaugurated in 1959 and underwent a general overhaul in 2008, continuing to fill the church with its majestic sound.
The church's west towers are home to three valuable medieval bells. The large bell in the north tower, cast in 1345, weighs around 5½ tonnes and is adorned with rare and artistically significant carvings. The smaller mass bell from 1448 and the Sunday bell from 1281 add to the church's rich auditory heritage. These bells have witnessed centuries of history and continue to ring out, connecting the past with the present.
Today, Divi Blasii serves as the central parish church of the Lutheran parish of Mühlhausen within the Protestant Church in Central Germany. It is not only a place of worship but also a venue for concerts and art exhibitions, bridging the gap between spirituality and culture. The church's historical and architectural significance, combined with its vibrant cultural offerings, make it a focal point of the community and a fascinating destination for visitors.
In conclusion, Divi Blasii in Mühlhausen is more than just a church; it is a living testament to the town's rich history and cultural heritage. From its Gothic architecture and historical treasures to its connection with Johann Sebastian Bach, Divi Blasii offers a captivating journey through time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Divi Blasii promises to be an unforgettable experience.
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