Cafédrale Drais: Church becomes a meeting place for the neighborhood

Cafédrale Drais: Church becomes a meeting place for the neighborhood

The "Cafédrale": A new chapter for the church in Mainz-Drais

In the Mainz suburb of Drais, the idea of ​​using the multiple use of churches becomes particularly clear. The local evangelical community initiated an innovative conversion of its church by transforming it into a "cafédrale". Pastor Christoph Kiworr describes the renovation as a step to open the church for the neighborhood. The concept is simple but effective: the church remains a sacred space in which services continue to take place, while at the same time space is created for cultural and social activities.

The background of the changes

In Germany, many Protestant and Catholic communities face the challenge of a shrinking loss of membership and increasing costs for the maintenance of their buildings. In the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau, which includes the community in Mainz-Drais, about a third of the buildings are to be reduced by 2030. This development has led to municipalities looking for new, creative solutions to use their rooms sensibly and at the same time to remain accessible to the local population.

Examples of innovative conversions

The phenomenon to convert churches into multifunctional spaces is already widespread in Germany. In Mönchengladbach, a church was transformed into a climbing hall, while in Bielefeld an elegant restaurant in the rooms of previous services was created. There are also fascinating examples in the Kassel district such as a gin distillery in a former church. These developments show that creative concepts for revitalizing sacred buildings are possible and can provide positive impulses for the communities.

The meaning for the community

The "Cafédrale" in Mainz-Drais not only offers a place for coffee and cake, but also a living room for the neighborhood. Here musicians can give concerts, rent a job and meet the citizens for coffee gossip. The opening of the church promotes cooperation and offers space for cultural offers that can strengthen the sense of community. When communities manage to realize such projects, they bring life to former sacred rooms and at the same time promote social activities.

challenges of conversion