Did you know that Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus started as part of a Benedictine monastery? This church has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Let’s step back in time and explore its fascinating story.
In 1087, Ulrich of Regensburg founded a small monastery in the Möhlin Valley. He dedicated its church to the apostles Peter and Paul. This marked the humble beginning of what would eventually become Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus.
Soon after, Ulrich established a priory for women in Bollschweil. In 1115, it moved to Sölden. Gerald von Scherzingen donated his estate to the convent. The Sölden women’s priory reported directly to Cluny. It received relics of Saint Fides of Agen. Legend says she was martyred in 300 AD. The monastery then became known as the Fideskloster.
Over the centuries, Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus saw its share of turmoil. In 1468, fire consumed both church and monastery buildings. By 1493, only three sisters remained. The German Peasants’ War brought more destruction in 1525. By 1570, the government called the monastery impoverished. They complained that Cluny sent only French-speaking provosts.
In 1568, the Cluny separated from the monastery in the Möhlin Valley. It was assigned to St. Peter’s Abbey in the Black Forest. In 1598, the Fideskloster was officially incorporated into St. Peter. It was then that the Evangelist Markus became its second patron saint.
The turbulent times did not end there. The Thirty Years’ War in 1640 saw flames engulf the church roof and village houses. The Dutch War brought fire to the monastery again in 1676.
However, Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus was rebuilt and redesigned. Abbot Jakob Philipp Steyrer initiated a significant renovation in 1752. He transformed the church into the Baroque style we see today. Gothic windows were altered and a plaster ceiling installed. The Fides Chapel was torn down. The floor was raised for moisture protection.
The best artists connected to St. Peter enhanced Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus. These included sculptor Matthias Faller and painter Franz Ludwig Hermann. In 1764, a new connecting structure linked the church and monastery. St. Ulrich gifted the church a unique onion dome designed by Peter Thumb.
Inside Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus, the walls still hold Gothic masonry. The nave is a hall with four window bays. The choir has supporting pillars. The church’s interior appears bright because of its white walls. The refurbishment of 1937-1938 changed the room’s style. Laurel hangings and garlands give the room a classic feel.
Look at the ceiling paintings by Franz Ludwig Hermann. The main painting in the nave honors the Evangelist Markus. Figures around Markus include the daughters of a local farmer. Hermann immortalized them with his brush.
The high altar made in 1786 is a masterpiece. Saint Fides stands to the left. Saint Agatha is to the right. The altar painting shows Saints Fides and Markus with Mary and Jesus.
Today, Kath. Kirche St. Fides und Markus stands as a testament to resilience. It is a blend of Gothic origins and Baroque splendor. It embodies centuries of history and art. The village school moved into the former monastery building in 1957. It became the first school of its kind in Germany.