Thomaskirche

Can a church be reborn? Here at the Thomaskirche in Freiburg-Zähringen, we witness a fascinating transformation. The Thomaskirche, originally consecrated in 1959, stands as a testament to the post-war growth of the Protestant community. Designed by Freiburg architect Walter Körte, the church’s cubic form and freestanding bell tower are striking. Inside, the expansive granite altar wall, adorned with a vibrant stained-glass window, commands attention. Natural light streams through the high concrete glass windows. These windows, crafted by Hugo Körte, the architect’s brother, depict powerful biblical imagery. The Lamb of God graces the altar window. The Hahn, Ähren, and Wise and Foolish Virgins illuminate the emporium. The church echoes with the history of Zähringen’s burgeoning community. The three bells in the freestanding tower, added in 1961, have called generations to worship. The Thomaskirche has been more than a place of worship. It has been a community hub, hosting gatherings and events in its spacious hall and adjoining rooms. But now, the Thomaskirche embarks on a new chapter. A transformation is underway, a rebirth of purpose. The church building is being reimagined as a multifunctional community center. A new, modern nursing home, operated by the Evangelische Stadtmission, will rise beside it. This project is not just a renovation, but a fusion of past and future. The heart of the Thomaskirche, its spirit of community and service, will continue to beat within these new walls. The legacy of Walter and Hugo Körte will live on, intertwined with the evolving needs of the Zähringen community. This is the story of the Thomaskirche, a story of continuous evolution.