St. Aposteln, known locally as Apostelkirche, stands majestically in the heart of Viernheim, Hessen, Germany. This impressive Catholic church, part of the parish Johannes XXIII. Viernheim in the Diocese of Mainz, is a beacon of historical and architectural splendor that has been captivating visitors since its consecration in 1900.
The story of St. Aposteln begins in the late 19th century when the need for a new place of worship was recognized by the growing Catholic community in Viernheim. The church was designed by the renowned Freiburg architect Max Meckel and constructed between 1896 and 1899. The building was consecrated on September 1, 1900, by Bishop Heinrich Brück, marking the beginning of its spiritual journey.
St. Aposteln is a prime example of the neo-Gothic architectural style that was popular during that era. The church's design features a three-nave hall with a broad three-aisled transept and an apse with a three-eighths closure. The structure is 65 meters long and 33 meters wide, with a towering spire reaching a height of 75 meters, including the weathercock. This towering spire is a defining feature of the church, visible from various points in the city and adding to its grandeur.
Upon entering St. Aposteln, visitors are immediately struck by the intricate details and artistic elements that adorn its interior. The church boasts ribbed vaults supported by round pillars, creating a sense of height and space. The ceilings and walls are decorated with ornamental and vegetal paintings by Valentin Volk and other artists, adding to the church's visual appeal.
One of the most captivating features inside the church is the series of paintings by Julius Fischer. These paintings, done in the Nazarene style on canvas, depict a Christ cycle above the central nave arcades, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the church's interior.
The church's stained glass windows, created by Bernhard Kraus during the construction period, are another highlight. These windows are not only artistically valuable but also add a kaleidoscope of colors to the church's interior when sunlight streams through them.
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St. Aposteln is home to several altars, each with its own unique history and artistic significance. The high altar, dating back to the early 16th century, was extensively reworked in 1899 by Joseph Schnitzer. The shrine, adorned with intricate tracery and a high canopy, houses six figures from around 1500, representing St. Boniface, a Madonna on a crescent moon, and Saints Andrew, Vitus, Stephen, and James. The inner sides of the wings feature painted depictions of the Adoration of the Magi and the Resurrection of Christ from the early 16th century, while the outer sides showcase neo-Gothic works of the Deposition from the Cross and the Entombment.
In the left side chapel, visitors will find the Cross or Altar of Sorrows, which features a Pietà in the shrine and reliefs of Saints Helena and Heraclius on the wings. The reverse side of the wings depicts the Annunciation to Mary. The right side chapel houses the Joseph Altar, remodeled in 1905 by the Busch company. This altar centers on Joseph with the Christ Child and the apostles James the Elder and Paul, with Saints Louis and Lawrence on the wings and the Holy Family on the outer sides.
The south transept is home to the Mother of God Altar, originally from the church in Hüll near Nuremberg and reworked by Joseph Schnitzer. The shrine features a finely crafted, nearly life-size Madonna from the late 15th century, flanked by figures of Saints John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. The predella showcases half-figures in grisaille painting.
The north transept houses the Sacrament Altar, reworked in 1899 by T. Bauhus. The centerpiece is a Sacred Heart figure from the Busch company, created in 1905, flanked by the apostles Peter and Paul, with Saints Catherine and Margaret depicted in the wings. The reverse sides of the wings feature the Annunciation scene.
St. Aposteln is also home to colorful neo-Gothic apostle figures adorning the pillars of the central nave. Two tapestries painted by T. Bauhus, depicting the Stations of the Cross, date back to around 1900 and add to the church's rich artistic heritage.
The church's organ, built in 1903 by the Würzburg organ builder Schlimbach, is the largest in the city with 38 registers. Its majestic sound fills the church during services and concerts, adding to the spiritual and cultural experience of visitors.
In conclusion, St. Aposteln in Viernheim is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history, artistic heritage, and architectural brilliance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this magnificent church is sure to be a memorable experience.
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