Auferstehungskirche Dresden-Plauen

Hidden in plain sight, the Auferstehungskirche Dresden-Plauen whispers tales of resilience and rebirth. The Auferstehungskirche, or Church of the Resurrection, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Plauen. Records dating back to the 1300s mention priests in Plauen. This suggests a church existed here even then. The original church, likely destroyed during the Hussite Wars in 1429, was rebuilt and consecrated in 1467. The Auferstehungskirche has always stood on this very ground. As Plauen’s population grew, the church underwent several expansions and renovations. Its current appearance dates back to a major reconstruction between 1900 and 1902. The church we see today is a unique blend of architectural styles. The architects, Lossow and Viehweger, incorporated Gothic and Baroque elements. These elements harmoniously coexist with the dominant Art Nouveau style. Look closely, and you’ll find traces of the church’s past. The baptismal font and the crucifix above the lectern date back to the 17th century. In 1903, the church, formerly known as Michaeliskirche, was renamed Auferstehungskirche. Angelic faces around the choir serve as a subtle reminder of its previous name. The Auferstehungskirche miraculously survived World War II relatively unscathed. Only the windows and bells suffered damage. The renowned Dresdner Kreuzchor chose this very church for their first post-war concert on July 1, 1945. Even in peacetime, the church continued to evolve. During the 1950s, the choir’s stucco was removed, and the windows were bricked up. A new organ was installed behind the façade of the old one in 1985. After 1989, the bricked-up windows were reopened, and the walls received a fresh coat of paint. The altar room was adorned with new windows designed by Dresden artist Wolfgang Korn. The tower and roof were also restored. Today, the Auferstehungskirche stands proudly among Dresden’s most beautiful churches. Its Art Nouveau wooden elements are truly remarkable. They evoke images of intricate carvings found in stave churches. In 2017, an oak tree was planted to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the church’s consecration. The tree was dedicated to Martin Luther but sadly withered. A new oak now stands in its place, continuing the legacy of resilience and renewal.