A majestic Madonna and Child. That’s what greets you at Maria Bickesheim. This isn’t just any church. It’s a pilgrimage church a place steeped in history and wonder.
Maria Bickesheim stands proudly in Bickesheim a district of Durmersheim. It’s more than just a pretty building. It’s a testament to faith and perseverance. Its roots stretch back to the 13th century. A Markgraf of Baden had a basilica built. That basilica replaced an older chapel. Parts of the original chapel still remain. The nave and the north aisle stand strong today.
Over time Maria Bickesheim has undergone changes. The upper gallery above the side aisle was replaced. This changed the church into a pseudo-basilica. Underneath this sloping roof lies an almost unlit space. This could be called an empore or perhaps a triforium. In the 15th century a three-sided choir was added. Supporting pillars were built for stability. A major renovation and expansion took place in 1908 and 1909 under the guidance of architect Johannes Schroth.
Within Maria Bickesheim you’ll find treasures. The high altar a masterpiece created by Martin Eigler the Elder. The altar houses a miraculous image a sculpture of a seated Madonna and Child. The organ too has a rich history. The current organ built in 1984 by Mönch Orgelbau. It incorporates several registers from a 1912 organ by Friedrich Wilhelm Schwarz. The organ case itself is even older. It came from an organ built in 1785 by Ignaz Seuffert for another church.
Outside near the choir lies the grave of Engelbert Kleiser. He was the long-serving blind priest of Maria Bickesheim. He passed away in 1931. Some even called him the German Pfarrer von Ars. He was revered almost like a saint.
The Katharinenchor the choir in the east side aisle is dedicated to Saint Catherine. This side chapel has remarkable wall paintings from the 14th century. These paintings are scenes from the lives of Mary and Christ forming a captivating picture Bible. There’s an octagonal turret rising from the choir’s roof topped by a bell gable.
The oldest existing depiction of the Baden coat of arms is at Maria Bickesheim. It dates back to 1280. This is likely the oldest surviving example of its kind. The church has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The pilgrimage itself is first mentioned in 1318. A testament to the enduring power of faith and the beauty of this incredible building. Maria Bickesheim truly is a gem waiting to be discovered.