St. Kassian

Whispers of ancient rituals and royal decrees echo within the walls of St. Kassian in Regensburg. This unassuming church, nestled beside the bustling Neupfarrplatz, holds a captivating story. St. Kassian is the second oldest church in Regensburg and among the earliest documented in Bavaria. Its history intertwines with the city’s rich past, revealing layers of architectural styles and intriguing anecdotes. The church’s namesake, Saint Kassian, was the first bishop of Säben in South Tyrol. His patronage here, the northernmost church dedicated to him, reflects Regensburg’s historical ties to the Patriarchate of Aquileia. St. Kassian has undergone significant transformations throughout its lifetime. Originally a Carolingian structure, it was later expanded during the Romanesque period. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was rebuilt as a Gothic basilica. The church’s story took a dramatic turn in the 18th century with the revival of the “Schöne Maria” pilgrimage. This influx of pilgrims and donations prompted a lavish renovation in the rococo style. The interior of St. Kassian became a canvas for ornate stuccowork by Anton Landes and vibrant frescoes by Gottfried Bernhard Göz. One particularly noteworthy fresco cycle depicts the expulsion of Jews from Regensburg, intertwined with the “Schöne Maria” narrative. Today, this artwork serves as a complex reminder of historical prejudices. Interestingly, St. Kassian houses the oldest regularly rung bells in Regensburg. One of these bells, dating back to the mid-13th century, previously resided in a house on Heuport and later in the Old Chapel before finding its home here. St. Kassian’s Hochaltar is a 1908 reconstruction of the original rococo masterpiece, destroyed in the 19th century. The church’s south side altar holds the “Schöne Maria” statue. This 16th-century Madonna and Child figure, attributed to Hans Leinberger, became the focal point of a renewed pilgrimage. St. Kassian also houses a late Gothic winged altar dedicated to its patron saint. This intricate altarpiece, originally the high altar, depicts scenes from Saint Kassian’s life. Today, after extensive restorations, St. Kassian stands as a testament to Regensburg’s enduring spirit. Its history is etched into its very stones, whispering tales of faith, pilgrimage, and artistic transformation.