“Odyssey” might sound like an exaggeration. But it aptly describes the journey of the St. Trinitatis parish here in Leipzig.
This isn’t just any church. This is the Propsteikirche St. Trinitatis. It stands as the largest church built in eastern Germany since reunification. But its story stretches back much further.
There were actually two Trinitatiskirchen before this one. The first was built in the city center in 1847. Sadly it was destroyed during World War II. After the war East Germany allowed a new church. But only in a suburb.
That second church built in 1982 wasn’t exactly celebrated. People called it an unremarkable functional building. It soon had structural problems because of issues with its foundations.
But this latest St. Trinitatis marks a return. The parish is now back in the city center. It is close to where that first church once stood.
The architectural firm Schulz und Schulz designed this building. They won a competition and later received an award. It was named Religious Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in 2016. The entire complex uses a triangle as its base. The church stands to the east along with a chapel and the sacristy. To the west you will find a hall for gatherings and parish offices. Priests’ living quarters and a guest apartment are also located there.
Rising above it all at the western point of the triangle is a bell tower. It reaches a height of 50 meters.
Notice the building’s exterior. The structure is covered in Rochlitz porphyry stone. It is the architect’s way of acknowledging the region and its traditions.
Inside the St. Trinitatis look toward the north window. Falk Haberkorn from Leipzig designed it. The window features texts from both the Old and New Testaments. Depending on the light and time of day you will see different sections revealed. The Derix company manufactured these unique windows.
Bishop Heiner Koch consecrated St. Trinitatis in 2015. This event marked the end of a 70-year journey for the Leipzig parish. The new church brought St. Trinitatis back to the heart of the city. The architects designed the church to fit in with the surrounding urban environment. Its tall structure and inviting courtyard create a welcoming presence.