Do you hear the echoes of history? They resonate within the walls of the Petruskirche. This church stands as a testament to faith and resilience in Stuttgart-Gablenberg.
The Petruskirche’s story began long before its current form. A church or chapel stood on this very spot since at least the 15th century. It evolved through various renovations. But by the late 19th century, the old structure was deemed inadequate.
“The old Kirchlein proved too small,” wrote Stadtpfarrer Lempp. He also mentioned the need for beauty and solidity, “for our fivefold grown community.” In 1898, the church council decided to build a new church. The foundation stone was laid on October 21, 1900. King Wilhelm II and Queen Charlotte attended the inauguration on November 16, 1902.
Baurat Theophil Frey, a renowned church builder, designed the Petruskirche. He cleverly used the existing hillside location near the cemetery.
Notice the main portal on Gablenberger Hauptstraße. Above it, the sandstone figure of the Apostle Petrus watches over us. The portal doesn’t lead directly into the church. Instead, it opens into the lower level. This level houses community rooms and a small vestibule called “Paradies”. From there, curved staircases ascend to the spacious church on the upper floor.
This design was innovative. It combined community spaces and the church in one building. It also allowed a large worship space of 33 by 16 meters to fit on the site. The church was built into the hillside. Its longitudinal axis runs perpendicular to the street. This is why the Petruskirche does not face east.
The architectural style is simple early Gothic. Red Maulbronn sandstone frames the structure. White plaster covers the walls. Rising above is the tower. It is Stuttgart’s tallest church tower at 67.4 meters.
Inside, the Petruskirche can accommodate about 700 people on the main floor and the galleries. Sandstone columns and capitals add to the beauty. The choir area and triumphal arch once featured elaborate paintings.
Tragedy struck during the bombing raids of World War II. On July 25, 1944, a bomb destroyed the roof and eastern side aisle. It caused extensive damage.
But the community rallied. By July 25, 1948, exactly four years after the destruction, the first post-war service was held. Final repairs concluded on October 1, 1950. The restored interior was simpler. Most of the original paintings could not be saved. A wooden barrel ceiling replaced the destroyed ribbed vault. New choir windows were installed. The gallery balustrade was simplified. A plainer design replaced the old pulpit with reliefs of Luther and Melanchthon.
Some believe the changes improved the Petruskirche. A successful post-war renovation created a warmer space. A second construction phase in 1979/80 further refined the design. This made it more accessible to future generations.
Today, the Petruskirche continues to be a vibrant part of Stuttgart-Gablenberg. Its doors are open during the week. All are welcome to appreciate its beauty. You can seek silence. You can reflect and pray. You can light a candle. Feel free to share your thoughts in the guest book. As you leave, remember the Petruskirche’s enduring spirit. It represents community, faith, and renewal.