New guide for Kaufbeuren's oldest church: A cultural highlight!

New guide for Kaufbeuren's oldest church: A cultural highlight!

In Kaufbeuren, the St. Dominic's Church represents an impressive journey through the centuries. It combines several architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque, Modern and Postmodern. This unique mix makes it one of the oldest stone buildings in the city, as local tradition tells of a chapel dating back to 1182. On August 8th, St. Dominic's memorial day, a new church leader was introduced, which was of course a solemn occasion in which around 30 listeners came together in the church.

The history of this church is anything but boring. The first written evidence is rare, but we know that it was first mentioned in 1316 under the patronage of St. Martin. In 1483 the church was redesigned in the Gothic style and was re-consecrated, this time under the patronage of St. Dominic. In the Baroque era, from 1709 to 1749, the church was further redesigned, including raising the tower and adding a sacristy.

A place of meeting

St. Dominic is much more than a historical building. It is a living example of ecumenism, in which services take place for different denominations. Those responsible have a good hand in maintaining this tradition, as there is space for ecumenical prayers from both Orthodox and Coptic Christians and the Roman Catholic Church. It shows how the church promotes the idea of ​​community across denominations.

What is particularly noteworthy is the fact that St. Dominic's Church is not only historically valuable, but also serves as a memorial to those who died in the First World War. After the Second World War, it was left to the old Catholic expellees from the Sudetenland in 1946, which represents a further step in the history of its diverse use.

Renovations and preservation

Over the years, the church has been restored several times, most recently between 1995 and 2000, in order to secure the structure. A small organ was also purchased by the support association in 2009 to add musical accents to the church services. The St. Dominic and Blatternhaus Foundation, which has been responsible for the church since its founding in 1182, ensures that the building remains a place of gathering.

The development of ecumenism, as it is also practiced in St. Dominic's Church, is reflected in centuries-old conflicts and dialogues. According to an overview of History of ecumenism The ecumenical idea was already discussed between Constantinople and Rome in the 6th century. Today it becomes clear how important it is to build bridges between different faiths.

If you look at the development of this unique church, it becomes clear that it is not just a building, but a living testimony to the diversity and cohesion of the Christian community, which is firmly anchored in the heart of Kaufbeuren. A new chapter in its history has now begun with the introduction of the church's new leader, and many hope that this will contribute to further strengthening the ecumenical spirit.