Imagine a time when Blankenese was a growing village needing its own spiritual heart. This is the story of the Blankeneser Kirche am Marktplatz. Often called just the Marktkirche by locals it stands proudly in the heart of Blankenese.
Before this church existed Blankenese was served by Nienstedten. The Blankeneser Kirche was the first church built directly in Blankenese. Its construction marked a turning point for the community. The church is located near the Blankeneser Bahnhof in a neighborhood developed in the 1890s.
Ernst Ehrhardt designed the Blankeneser Kirche. He built it between 1895 and 1896. The church features a cruciform layout. A single 78-meter-high tower rises majestically. A small roof turret sits atop the crossing. Ehrhardt embraced the Hanoverian School style. The Blankeneser Kirche’s brick facade includes many neo-Gothic details. These details subtly reference the Brick Gothic style.
The Blankeneser Kirche remarkably survived World War II unscathed. Many neo-Gothic churches closer to Hamburg’s center suffered damage during the war. This makes the Blankeneser Kirche a rare and fortunate survivor.
In 2010 the Blankeneser Kirche underwent a complete interior renovation. This renovation reversed insensitive modernizations from the 1950s. The goal was to restore the church’s original character.
Inside the Blankeneser Kirche the bronze baptismal font stands out. Dating back to the 13th century it originally belonged to the Nienstedten church. It was given to the Blankeneser Kirche. The inscription reads SIT FONS VIVUS AQUA REGENERANS UNDA PURIFICANS. This translates to “Let it be a living spring water of rebirth purifying wave”. The inscription is intentionally backwards. During Easter the baptismal water was blessed. This water remained in the font for an entire year.
Siegfried Assmann designed the windows of the Blankeneser Kirche. His designs reflect Blankenese’s identity. The south side windows feature Christian themes related to water and fishing. These themes celebrate Blankenese’s maritime heritage.
The Blankeneser Kirche is home to a Beckerath organ since 1991. It features a mechanical action and electrical registration. MIDI connections allow unusual sound combinations. This connects the organ to electronic sound generators.
The Blankeneser Kirche stands as a testament to Blankenese’s history and faith. It has evolved from a daughter church of Nienstedten to a central landmark. The Blankeneser Kirche continues to be a vital part of the community today. The church on the market welcomes everyone. Its doors are open daily offering a quiet space for reflection.