Perhaps the most striking thing about St. Franziskus is how different its exterior is from its interior. Nearing St. Franziskus church near the A3 Autobahn, you first see a large white box. It is a seemingly hollowed-out cube of brickwork. But step inside. You will discover surprisingly inward and outward swinging forms.
St. Franziskus is a Roman Catholic parish church in Burgweinting. Burgweinting is a district of Regensburg. The modern architecture of St. Franziskus stands as a testament to faith and community.
Let’s delve into the story of St. Franziskus. The original main church St. Michael was too small. It could no longer serve the growing Regensburg district. In the 1990s, the district experienced strong growth. A new parish church with modern architecture was needed.
A 1998 architectural competition was held. Königs Architekten from Cologne won. After negotiations, the first groundbreaking took place on June 20, 2001. On October 2, Manfred Müller laid the foundation stone. Gerhard Ludwig Müller consecrated the church on May 8, 2004.
Notice the simple rectangular exterior of the eastward-facing church. Observe the free-standing bell tower of St. Franziskus. The floor plan of the main room is an asymmetrical ellipse. Chapels, function rooms, a sacristy, and a room for altar servers occupy the corners. The plastered, whitewashed walls lean outward.
Look up. A fiberglass fabric on the church ceiling creates light effects. These effects combine with the shed roof. The sculptor Robert M. Weber designed the liturgical furnishings. They relate to the space. The round altar island is bordered by the altar server’s bench. The altar faces the semi-circular pews made of solid natural wood. Behind the altar, at an angle, is the ambo. Both are made of stone and stainless steel.
The tabernacle is in the wall of the main room. It is near the altar island. The inner case is made of yellow-colored glass. The outer frame is made of white frosted glass. The doors are backed with stainless steel. Daylight illuminates the inside of the tabernacle. The light comes through an external window. The baptismal font is next to the altar island. It has a double wall. Flowing water fills it.
Listen. The five bells of St. Franziskus ring out an extended Parsifal motif. The Franziskus bell weighs 1,629 kg. The Marienglocke weighs 1,089 kg. The Benediktglocke weighs 686 kg. The Klaraglocke weighs 527 kg. The Michaelsglocke weighs 380 kg.
The church aims to open to the heavens and provide security on Earth. This tension helps visitors transcend the everyday. St. Franziskus stands as a beacon. It reflects Regensburg’s blend of tradition and modernity. Its unique design encourages contemplation. It fosters a sense of community.