“A little Notre Dame” that’s what the people of Stuttgart affectionately call Sankt Johannes. This Protestant church stands as a significant landmark. It is located on a peninsula of the Feuersee. Feuersee means Fire Lake. Sankt Johannes is more than just a pretty picture. It is a symbol of resilience.
Let’s delve into the story of Sankt Johannes. It was built in the Gothic Revival style between 1864 and 1876. Christian Friedrich von Leins was the chief architect. The church marked the beginning of the former Johannesstraße. That’s St. John’s Street.
Sankt Johannes holds a special place in Stuttgart’s history. It was the city’s first new church after the Reformation. Its architecture blends Gothic elements with modern features.
Tragedy struck during the Second World War. Sankt Johannes was nearly destroyed. Reconstruction followed. The Gothic vaults were replaced with modern ones. The tower was intentionally left incomplete. It serves as a war memorial. The missing spire stands as a reminder.
For decades the outer facade was exposed to weather. Inner-city pollution also took its toll. Chimney soot and exhaust fumes left their mark. In 2021 Kärcher cleaned the sandstone walls. They removed biological growth and discoloration. The cleaning was part of a larger renovation.
Kärcher used gentle techniques. Hot water high-pressure cleaners were used. This removed moss and algae. The steam also delayed new vegetation growth. Low-pressure micro-particle blasting removed black crusts. The experts used a pressure of 1 to 1.5 bar. This preserved the sandstone facade.
Sankt Johannes plays a vital role in Stuttgart. It is a place of worship. It is also a community hub. Religious services and cultural events take place here. The church fosters fellowship and community engagement.
The church has an impressive organ. It has Prinzipal 16′ and a Klarine 4′. There are also two octave couplers. These are III / P 4’ and III / III 16’. The organ’s sound has been re-voiced. A BUS Pre-set combination coupler system was installed. It has 14336 combinations.
Today Sankt Johannes stands as a cherished institution. It is known for its history and architecture. It is also known for its commitment to faith and service. The church is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.