Maria am Hauch

Whispers of faith rise from this hill. They echo around the modern walls of Maria am Hauch. Here, atop the “Hauch” hill in Nuremberg-Neuröthenbach, stands a testament to resilience and growth. Maria am Hauch isn’t just any church. It holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church dedicated to Mary, built in Nuremberg after the Reformation. Imagine the weight of history, the echoes of change, resonating within these very walls. The story of Maria am Hauch begins not here, but on Ansbacher Straße. In 1962, the Catholic community, burgeoning in Röthenbach, acquired land for a new church. However, city planning intervened. In 1966, a land swap relocated the project to its current location on Herriedener Straße. The hill, “der Hauch,” became the church’s namesake, a gentle rise cradling a symbol of faith. Construction began swiftly on July 1st, 1967, culminating in the laying of the cornerstone on September 3rd. The following year, on May 12th, 1968, the church was consecrated by Bishop Martin Wiesend of Bamberg, a significant event given the vacancy in the Eichstätt diocese at the time. The architecture of Maria am Hauch is a striking blend of modern design and practical ingenuity. The upward-sweeping roof, supported by reinforced concrete and glued wooden trusses, creates a sense of soaring aspiration. The nearly square footprint, 30 by 30 meters, maximized space while minimizing construction costs and time. The materials, chosen for durability and the development of a natural patina, speak to a timeless quality, echoing the enduring nature of faith. Maria am Hauch is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a community hub, a place of worship, and a symbol of the enduring power of faith. The church became a parish in 1972. A two-manual organ with 23 registers, built by G. F. Steinmeyer & Co., was added in 1978. The distinctive steel bell tower was completed in 1988, further enhancing the church’s unique profile against the sky.