Upon this hallowed ground stands the Maria-Magdalena-Kirche a testament to faith resilience and a touch of mystery. This church isn’t just a building it’s a living chronicle of Behringersdorf’s history.
The Maria-Magdalena-Kirche in Behringersdorf a small village near Nuremberg boasts a history stretching back to 1439. That year a chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene was built by the Schürstab family. This original structure though didn’t survive. It was later demolished to make way for the larger church we see today.
The Maria-Magdalena-Kirche as it stands now was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. Its grand opening was on October 22 1719. This magnificent building was a gift from Christoph Wilhelm von Tucher and his wife Felicitas née von Imhoff. Their generosity is commemorated in a poignant way. They lie buried in the crypt beneath the altar.
The church isn’t without its scars. A wartime tragedy struck in August 1943. A bomb damaged the roof and walls. The damage was painstakingly repaired only completed in October 1947. Another renovation the last one to date was completed in 1991 under the direction of Pfarrer Brunner.
The crypt under the Maria-Magdalena-Kirche is more than just a resting place. It’s the heart of a local legend. People whispered of a hidden treasure a chest brimming with jewels gold and silver coins stashed there during wartime. Another rumour spoke of a secret spring flowing beneath the altar. To settle the rumors once and for all the community took a bold step. On May 2 1927 they lifted the 20-centner heavy stone slab in front of the altar. The crypt was carefully examined. The six coffins inside revealed no hidden riches only the quiet resting places of the Tucher von Simmelsdorf family the last burial dating back to 1772.
The Maria-Magdalena-Kirche is a place of quiet contemplation. Its stucco work by Donato Polli adds to its beauty. The church’s altar features a striking depiction of the crucifixion painted by Johann Daniel Preissler. The church also houses a 14-register organ built in 1969. This instrument a treasure in itself fills the church with harmonious sounds.
The Maria-Magdalena-Kirche isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living monument a repository of history and local lore. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets into the present. A visit to the Maria-Magdalena-Kirche offers more than just a glimpse into its history. It invites you to be a part of its ongoing story.