Churches of Germany — Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

Summary

Leipzig's rich music heritage is highlighted by the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly his association with St. Thomas Church. The city's Protestant roots are evident in its architecture and art, such as the Annunciation by Veit Stoss and the Altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemenschneider. The Berlin Cathedral and Frauenkirche represent the Reformation's impact, with the latter's rebuilding symbolizing resilience and international cooperation.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Leipzig's rich musical heritage is highlighted by its association with Johann Sebastian Bach, who was an organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Church.
• 🏰 St. Thomas Church's interior reflects the Protestant aesthetic, with a focus on simplicity and an uncluttered space.
• 🌸 Bach's tomb at St. Thomas Church is a pilgrimage site for music enthusiasts, symbolizing his lasting impact on Leipzig's music scene.
• 🖼 The 'Annunciation' by Veit Stoss in St. Mary's Church is a significant piece of Renaissance art, showcasing the moment of the Virgin Mary's conception of Jesus.
• 🏰 The Berlin Cathedral, built during the exuberant period following Germany's unification, features opulent decor that reflects the confidence of the newly unified nation.
• ✝️ The Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, is an iconic symbol of Dresden, representing faith and community spirit.
• 🔄 The Frauenkirche was completely destroyed during World War II but was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 2005, symbolizing resilience and international cooperation.
• 🎨 Rothenburg's St. Jakob's Church houses the Altar of the Holy Blood, a masterpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, considered the Michelangelo of German wood carvers.
• 🕊️ The dove in the 'Annunciation' carving represents the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine aspect of the scene.
• 📚 The scriptural emphasis in Berlin Cathedral reflects the Reformation's influence, with figures like Calvin and Luther depicted as guardians of their theological beliefs.
• 🌈 The pastel color scheme and curvilinear design of the Frauenkirche create an uplifting and inclusive atmosphere for worship.

Q & A

What is Leipzig famous for in terms of cultural heritage?

Leipzig is famous for its music heritage, particularly as the hometown of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

What was Johann Sebastian Bach's role at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig?

Johann Sebastian Bach served as the organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Church in the early 1700s.

How does the interior of St. Thomas Church reflect the Protestant aesthetic?

The interior of St. Thomas Church reflects the Protestant aesthetic through its clean, stripped-down design, which represents an uncluttered church space.

What significant event took place in St. Thomas Church in 1539?

In 1539, Martin Luther came to St. Thomas Church to perform Leipzig's first Protestant service.

What is the significance of Bach's tomb at St. Thomas Church?

Bach's tomb at St. Thomas Church is adorned with flowers and serves as a pilgrimage site for music lovers.

What is the 'Annunciation' carving by Veit Stoss in the church?

The 'Annunciation' is a carving by the great Nürnberg woodcarver Veit Stoss from 1517, depicting the angel Gabriel telling Mary she will give birth to the Messiah, with details like Mary dropping her prayer book and the dove representing the Holy Spirit.

How does the Berlin Cathedral reflect the spirit of the time after the creation of Germany?

The Berlin Cathedral, built in the generation following the creation of Germany, towers over the museums with bombastic decor that seems to declare the permanence of the German Empire.

What happened to the Frauenkirche during World War II?

During World War II, specifically in February 1945, the Frauenkirche was bombed and collapsed, remaining a pile of rubble for a generation.

How was the Frauenkirche restored after its destruction?

The Frauenkirche was rebuilt completely and painstakingly with the help of international donations, and it reopened to the public in 2005.

What is unique about the design of the Frauenkirche?

The Frauenkirche is notable for its tall and narrow design with a pastel color scheme to emphasize the joy of faith and an uplifting atmosphere, featuring curves that create a feeling of community, despite being a Lutheran church built during the Baroque period.

What is the story behind the twisted old cross at the Frauenkirche?

The twisted old cross, which fell 300 feet from the tip of the Frauenkirche's dome and burned in the rubble, symbolizes an inspirational story of the church's reconstruction and resilience.