Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius

In the heart of Straubing, a picturesque town in Bavaria, Germany, stands the magnificent Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius, also known by its local name, Basilika St. Jakob. This Gothic hall church, with its towering spire and intricate architecture, is not only the largest main church in Straubing but also a beacon of the town's rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Historical Significance

The origins of Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius date back to around 1400, when it was constructed under the guidance of the master builder Hans von Burghausen. The church was completed in 1512, featuring a three-aisled nave surrounded by an array of 20 side chapels. In 1581, during the Counter-Reformation, the Canons' Monastery of Pfaffenmünster was transferred to St. Jakob, adding St. Tiburtius as a co-patron of the church.

One of the most striking features of the church is its towering spire, which was completed at the end of the 16th century. The spire, adorned with a slender and pointed onion dome, reaches an impressive height of 89.50 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the Gäuboden region and a prominent landmark of Straubing. In recognition of its significance, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to the status of a minor basilica on July 23, 1989, with the Apostolic Letter Sancti profecto.

The Splendid Interior

Stepping inside Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius, visitors are greeted by a treasure trove of religious art and intricate craftsmanship. The high altar, dating back to 1486, originally hails from the monastery of St. Veit in Nuremberg. The altar features a shrine with figures of Mary with Child, the church patrons St. James and St. Tiburtius, as well as Mary Magdalene and St. Leonard. The current neo-Gothic altar incorporates this historical shrine and boasts two pairs of wings with eight paintings. When fully opened, the altar reveals the Resurrection of the Lord and the Coronation of Mary. The six paintings on the weekday side are attributed to the workshop of Michael Wolgemut, the mentor of Albrecht Dürer.

The pulpit, a masterpiece from the Rococo period, is another highlight of the church's interior. Created in 1752 by the court sculptor Wenzel Myrowsky, the pulpit is adorned with an abundance of decorative elements. The figures of St. James, seven angels with their attributes, and various reliefs depicting biblical scenes and saints make this pulpit a true work of art.

The Sacrament House and Cross Altar

To the northeast of the high altar, the Sacrament House rises elegantly from the floor to the height of the vault. This structure, dating back to the late 15th century, is used annually from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday for a solemn procession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Cross Altar, located between the fourth pair of columns from the east, has served as a celebration altar since the late 15th century. Originally, it featured a crucifixion group created by the Straubing sculptor Franz Xaver Keller in 1783.

The Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows of Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius are of immense historical value. Alongside the Regensburg Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Martin in Amberg, St. Jakob boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of medieval and neo-Gothic windows. Among the most notable is the window above the Joseph Chapel, depicting the delivery of the Tablets of the Law to Moses. This vibrant and colorful window, dating back to around 1490, is attributed to the workshop of Veit Hirschvogel, with designs by Albrecht Dürer.

The Organ Tradition

The church has a long-standing tradition of organ music, with the earliest known organ dating back to before 1433. Over the centuries, several new organs have been installed, culminating in the current organ system built by the Eule company in 2020. This state-of-the-art organ, with its 92 registers and 6,613 pipes, is the third-largest in the Diocese of Regensburg. The organ's magnificent sound fills the basilica, enhancing the spiritual experience for visitors and worshippers alike.

The Bells

Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius is home to the largest peal of bells in the Diocese of Regensburg, with a total of 10 bells. Seven of these bells were cast in 1948 by Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling, and three additional bells were added in 2001. The bells, housed in a newly constructed oak bell tower, produce a rich and harmonious sound that resonates throughout Straubing.

In conclusion, Kollegiatstift SS. Jakobus und Tiburtius is not just a church; it is a testament to the rich history, artistic heritage, and spiritual life of Straubing. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this basilica promises to be a rewarding and enlightening experience.