St. Moriz

St. Moriz, known locally as Stiftskirche St. Moriz, stands as a beacon of faith and history in the charming town of Rottenburg am Neckar in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This magnificent church, with its towering spire and serene riverside location, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's spiritual and architectural heritage.

The Origins of St. Moriz

The origins of St. Moriz can be traced back to a humble chapel built in the mid-10th century in the nearby village of Ehingen. According to legend, a nobleman returning from St. Maurice in Switzerland brought with him sacred relics of Saint Maurice. When his animals refused to move any further upon reaching Ehingen, he took it as a divine sign and gifted the relics to the local lords. These relics were then housed in a new church built along the Neckar River, which soon became a significant pilgrimage site.

The Evolution of the Church

The first chapel was replaced in 1209 by a new structure commissioned by Count Burkhart II of Hohenberg. Although little remains of this early building, an underground room with well-preserved frescoes from the early 13th century was discovered beneath the current church's choir in 1973. This crypt likely served as the original resting place for the relics of Saint Maurice.

Construction of the present-day St. Moriz began around 1300, with the choir being the earliest part completed. Beneath the choir lies a crypt that served as the burial place for the Hohenberg family, with the first interment occurring in 1308. Over the centuries, the church underwent numerous modifications and expansions, reflecting the evolving architectural styles and the growing importance of the site.

The Architectural Marvel

St. Moriz is a splendid example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring spire and intricate stonework. The church's west facade, completed in the early 15th century, features a stunning rose window. The tower, constructed by stonemasons from the Parler workshop, was completed in 1433 and remains a dominant feature of the Rottenburg skyline.

Inside, the church boasts an impressive array of frescoes, many dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The frescoes on the pillars of the nave, discovered during a renovation in 1906, are particularly noteworthy. These vibrant paintings, created between 1400 and 1440, depict various religious scenes and were funded by different patrons, resulting in a diverse and colorful display.

The Ulrich Chapel

One of the most remarkable additions to St. Moriz is the Ulrich Chapel, built between 1489 and 1492. This two-story, late Gothic structure on the north side of the choir originally housed the chapter library on its upper floor. The chapel's construction marked the completion of the church's exterior form, which has remained largely unchanged since then.

Baroque Transformations

In the early 18th century, the church underwent a series of Baroque transformations. The south side of the choir saw the addition of the Anna Chapel, and the nave was extensively remodeled between 1706 and 1709. The side walls were rebuilt with larger windows, and a wooden barrel vault replaced the original flat ceiling, creating a brighter, more spacious interior. Despite these changes, financial constraints prevented significant alterations to the choir.

Modern Renovations

St. Moriz has seen several major renovations in the 20th century, aimed at preserving its historical integrity. The most extensive restoration took place between 1969 and 1975, focusing on restoring the church's Gothic character. This project included lowering the nave floor to its original level, removing Baroque vaults, and reintroducing a flat ceiling to reveal the upper tier frescoes once again. The rose window on the west facade was also reopened, albeit with a modern design.

Artistic Treasures

St. Moriz is home to numerous significant artworks spanning various periods. The high altar features a large Crucifixion group from the late 15th century, attributed to the Ulm workshop of Michel Erhart. The walls are adorned with epitaphs from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including the impressive tombs of the Hohenberg family, crafted by the Strasbourg sculptor Wölflin von Rufach.

Two Baroque side altars, created by the Rottenburg sculptor family Amrein in the late 17th century, also grace the church. The center of the so-called Mount of Olives altar contains a late Gothic carving from the Upper Rhine, dating to around 1520, integrated into the Baroque altar structure.

The Bells of St. Moriz

The church's tower houses five historic bells, the oldest of which dates back to 1419. Known as the Zwölfeglock or Christ Bell, it weighs 2,210 kg and measures 150 cm in diameter. The other bells, cast by the Rottenburg foundry Rosier in the 17th century, include the Marienglocke, Mauritiusglocke, and Engelglocke. The smallest and oldest bell, the Scheideglöcklein, dates to the 14th century and weighs just 65 kg.

To preserve these historic bells, a new bell frame and two additional bells were installed between 2003 and 2005. The new bells, cast by the Bachert foundry in Karlsruhe, are dedicated to Saint George and Eugen Bolz, a prominent local figure.

The Organ

St. Moriz also boasts a remarkable organ, first mentioned in 1364. The current main organ, built by Winfried Albiez of Lindau, was inaugurated in 1976. This impressive instrument features 48 registers and approximately 3,000 pipes, providing a rich and resonant sound for church services and concerts alike.

Visiting St. Moriz in Rottenburg am Neckar offers a unique opportunity to explore a site steeped in history and brimming with artistic and architectural treasures. Whether you're drawn by its spiritual significance, its stunning Gothic architecture, or its rich collection of art, St. Moriz promises a memorable and enriching experience for all who enter its hallowed halls.