A stone lamb crowns the roof. This is St Ignaz in Regensburg. This unassuming church holds centuries of history. It began humbly around 1445 as a small chapel. This was for the Bruderhaus a foundation helping impoverished craftsmen.
The Bruderhaus itself resulted from a merger. Two wealthy citizens Stephan Notangst and Hans Kastenmeyer combined their charities. They provided shelter and work for needy artisans. Brothers were accepted without charge. They worked in return for housing. Wealthier individuals could pay for rooms. They were not obligated to work.
After the Reformation in 1542 the Bruderhaus became a Protestant institution. St Ignaz’s current appearance is largely due to a massive reconstruction in 1622-23. This was almost a complete rebuild. The architects chose a late Gothic style. This featured pointed arch windows and a slender spire. The interior however boasts a simple yet contemporary design for its time.
The church’s exterior is a testament to this architectural blend. It’s a gabled late Gothic hall. The south and east walls feature pointed arched windows. The small tower above the east wall’s oriel was rebuilt in 1868. This was after a storm damaged the original non-Gothic top. A double staircase leads to the entrance. This has a round arch and a leaded glass door. The door bears the date 1622.
Inside St Ignaz the original seating arrangements remain. These reflect the Protestant social order. There are separate benches for men and women. A space was designated for the clergy. There were also stalls for the brothers of the house. These seats were rented to wealthy citizens. This helped increase the Bruderhaus’s funds during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Many original features remain. A simple wooden altar likely dates from 1889. The pulpit is from the original construction. The soundboard is beautifully carved. It features a dove representing the Holy Spirit. Paintings depict scenes from Jesus’s suffering. These are remnants of a Stations of the Cross. A small museum displays liturgical items.
Underneath the church lie two levels. These are a basement and a cellar. These were likely used for storing beer and wine. Two small cells in the cellar may have been used as prison cells. Punishments were meted out to those who broke the house’s rules.
The history of St Ignaz is a small but intricate part of Regensburg’s rich past. It speaks of charity social structures and architectural ingenuity. This modest church’s walls whisper the stories of those who sought refuge and solace within its walls. This makes St Ignaz a truly significant landmark.