Lost amidst Milbertshofen’s modern streets stands a testament to time and resilience, the Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche. This is not just a church. It is a story etched in stone and faith. Once a significant church in Munich’s suburbs, Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche suffered greatly during World War II.
Let’s step back in time. The year is 1507. The church was built in the late Gothic style. Milbertshofen was then a village. The church became its heart. Fast forward to June 13, 1944. A bomb struck Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche. Milbertshofen was targeted due to its role as a supply hub for the German army. The nearby train station was crucial for transporting weapons.
Parish priest Seraph Franz Likas described the devastation. The Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche was almost totally destroyed. Yet, some elements survived. The sacrament house and the tower were damaged but still standing. The famous Keferloher gravestone was at risk. The walls of the nave threatened to collapse. Fortunately, the valuable late Gothic winged altar was saved by the State Office for Monument Protection.
After the war, in 1948, people began clearing the rubble. The city wanted to demolish the remains of the village church. But a local councilor, Gottfried Zimmermann, intervened. He managed to save the tower and the presbytery. These were integrated into a war memorial. In 2003, the restored Georgsaltar returned to its home here in Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche.
Today, only the tower and parts of the choir remain. They have been transformed into a chapel. The church’s most prized possession is a winged altar from 1510. It depicts St. George’s battle with the dragon. When the altar is closed, one sees St. George’s fight with the dragon on the left. The martyrdom is displayed on the right. Open, the altar reveals a sculpture of the dragon fight. Additional martyrdom scenes flank it.
The Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche’s altar has been restored many times. The winged altar was rescued and is still located here today. A closer look shows remarkable detail. The artist included contemporary clothing and weapons of the time. This adds historical context to the religious scene.
Since its founding over 30 years ago, the association “Förderverein Alte St. Georgs-Kirche Milbertshofen e. V.” has been committed to rebuilding the old church.
Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche stands as a reminder of Milbertshofen’s past. It symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of faith. Take a moment to appreciate the history within these walls. Imagine the lives touched by this sacred space over centuries. The Alte St.-Georgs-Kirche is not just a ruin. It is a living monument.