Why is the Justinuskirche so captivating? It’s more than just a pretty building. This church in Frankfurt am Main is the oldest surviving structure in the entire city. Imagine it standing proudly for over 1200 years. That’s a testament to its resilience and historical importance.
The Justinuskirche wasn’t always known by that name. Initially dedicated to Saint Justin the Confessor it was later renamed Margarethenkirche. It was Archbishop Otgar of Mainz who started its construction around 830 AD. He brought back Saint Justin’s relics from Rome. Otgar’s successor Rabanus Maurus consecrated it around 850 AD. The Justinuskirche wasn’t just a parish church. It was a symbol of the power of the Electorate of Mainz near the royal court in Frankfurt.
Over the centuries the Justinuskirche underwent many changes. In 1090 it became a Benedictine monastic church. The relics of Saint Justin remained for about 450 years. Later in 1441 the Antonite order moved in. They added a magnificent late Gothic chancel. This beautiful addition stands in contrast to the original Carolingian basilica. Notice the stunning north doorway. It was built around 1442. It boasts a richly decorated pointed arch and statues of Paul of Thebes and Anthony the Great.
The Justinuskirche was a burial place for centuries. The Antonite Order canons were buried there. The von Dalberg and von Kapp families also had family tombs within its walls. The churchyard was abandoned in 1810. The area was transformed into a garden in the early 1990s. You can still find vestiges of the old cemetery. Notice the Pietà on the north facade and a few weathered gravestones. In 2004 this beautiful garden was opened to the public. It features medicinal herbs used by the Antonites.
The Justinuskirche is more than just a historical landmark. It’s a vibrant place. It still hosts church services and weddings. Its excellent concert organ draws international artists. They perform regularly during the Höchster Orgelsommer. The Justinuskirche’s history is a captivating journey through time. A journey of faith architecture and resilience. It deserves a special place in your memories of Frankfurt.