High above Bad Krozingen stands St Leodegar church. Its silhouette is visible from afar. A beacon of history it sits majestically on a hill.
St Leodegar church in Bad Krozingen is more than just a pretty building. It’s a testament to faith resilience and artistic evolution. Dedicated to St Leodegar Bishop of Autun it boasts a rich history stretching back centuries. The current Baroque structure dates back to 1730. However its foundations lie upon a much older Gothic church.
Imagine the monks of St Trudpert monastery. They served as pastors from 1350 until the monastery’s dissolution in 1805. They witnessed the church’s transformation. They also saw its destruction at the end of World War II. Its subsequent restoration is a marvel.
Sadly the church’s most treasured 15th-century altar wings are gone. They now reside in Freiburg’s Augustiner Museum. They depict the holy family and prayers to the kings. Fortunately a beautiful stone cross by Freiburg sculptor Johann Jakob Sellinger remains. It stands proudly in front of the church’s south side.
The mid-1980s saw a striking redesign of the altar. Breisach artist Helmut Lutz masterminded this transformation. He cleverly incorporated strong iron bars. They support the crucified and holy figures. This creates a powerful contrast to the sandstone sculptures.
Adjacent to St Leodegar stands the castle of the barons of Pfirt. They ruled Niengen from the late 15th century. The castle’s current form reflects 18th and 19th-century renovations. The von Flotow family now owns it. A door lintel bearing the date 1548 testifies to the castle’s age.
St Leodegar church is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a living history book. Each stone whispers tales of faith survival and artistic creativity. It reflects centuries of devotion and community. As you stand here contemplate its journey through time. Let the bells’ sounds echo in your heart. Their sound carries the weight of countless prayers and celebrations. St Leodegar church continues to stand tall. It continues to inspire all who visit.