Stadtkirche St. Georg

Nestled in the charming town of Schmalkalden in the heart of Thüringen, Germany, the Stadtkirche St. Georg stands as a testament to the town's rich history and architectural splendor. This late Gothic hall church, constructed between 1413/14 and 1509, is not just a place of worship but a beacon of historical significance and artistic beauty.

The History of Stadtkirche St. Georg

The origins of Stadtkirche St. Georg are deeply rooted in the medieval era. Before the current structure, a Romanesque predecessor known as the Marienkirche occupied the site. The lower part of this earlier church remains preserved as the southwest tower of St. Georg. The window arcades of this tower date back to the late 12th century, offering a glimpse into the architectural styles of that period. However, due to structural issues, the tower was partially dismantled in 1434 up to the second floor.

The construction of the current church began in 1413/14, enveloping the old Romanesque church. Today, visitors can still discern the junction between the old and new structures through a visible seam and the Romanesque round arches of the windows on the tallest of the three towers. This grand edifice was consecrated in 1500 by the Bishop of Würzburg, a fact commemorated by the inscription Anno domini MCCCCC completum est praesens opus (In the year of our Lord 1500, this present work was completed) in the choir area.

In 1537, the church played a significant role in the Reformation when Martin Luther preached before the Schmalkaldic League within its walls. The partially dismantled southwest tower was reconstructed starting in 1570, reaching about 50 meters high and housing a tower keeper's apartment from 1571 until 1935. The newly built northwest tower was architecturally distinct, and today, the two dissimilar towers are iconic symbols of the church.

Architectural Splendor

The Stadtkirche St. Georg is a three-aisled, broad-proportioned late Gothic hall church, boasting an array of intricate and sometimes virtuoso vault forms. These vaults feature elaborate tracery designs. The services that project from the pillars rest on variously designed consoles adorned with head motifs. The choir, with its net vaults, seamlessly connects to the triumphal arch and concludes in an octagonal apse to the east. On the north side of the choir, the sacristy is attached, with a paraments chamber and library above it.

The side of the church facing the market square is more ornately decorated than the side facing away. The choir is particularly rich with tracery overlays and pointed arch windows with intricate tracery. One striking feature is the architectural sculpture on a choir buttress, depicting a portrait-like head in a window with shutters. A pointed arch portal with tracery adorns the south side.

Interior Treasures

Much of the church's medieval furnishings were removed following the Reformation, particularly during the Schmalkalden Iconoclasm in December 1608, led by Landgrave Moritz of Hesse-Kassel. Crucifixes, sculptures, and epitaphs were taken out, and wall and gallery paintings were whitewashed. The paintings on the gallery panels from 1503 were rediscovered in the baroque gallery fronts around 1900.

The altar consists solely of the masonry mensa. The late Gothic baptismal font, originally located in the western part of the church near the bell tower, was moved to the choir in 1560. The pulpit was completed in 1669, and a chandelier was crafted in 1642. The stained glass windows that bind the interior into a cohesive visual experience were created by Charles Crodel. The stained glass in the organ gallery plays with motifs from the Song of Solomon, achieving a quality reminiscent of Crodel's early color woodcuts created in Jena.

Martin Luther's presence is commemorated in the so-called Lutherstube (Luther Room), the former paraments chamber above the sacristy. Here, the church reformer stayed before services. The Lutherstube features a crucifixion painting from the first half of the 15th century, a triptych altar, and a seated Man of Sorrows (Christ in Distress) from around 1500.

The Majestic Organ

The first small organ was built by Christian Busse in 1606/07. The current organ, created by the firm A. Schuster & Sohn in 1961, boasts 39 registers with approximately 2,800 pipes across three manuals and a pedal. The prospect was designed by Fritz Leweke. In 2023, the instrument was refurbished by Mitteldeutscher Orgelbau A. Voigt, retuned to Neidhardt's Kleine Stadt unequal temperament, and upgraded to a bus system with a setter system at a new console.

The Bells

The Stadtkirche St. Georg houses five bells from the 19th century, with the largest, known as the Große Oster, being one of the largest in Thüringen. Additionally, the roof rider on the choir contains two striking bells that chime the hours and quarter hours.

In conclusion, the Stadtkirche St. Georg in Schmalkalden is not just a church but a historical and architectural gem that tells the story of centuries past. Its walls echo the voices of reformers, its structures showcase the craftsmanship of bygone eras, and its presence continues to be a beacon of cultural and spiritual significance. A visit to this magnificent church is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Schmalkalden's heritage.