Cyriakkapelle

Could a chapel built from rubble whisper tales of resilience? Here at the Cyriakkapelle, it certainly does. The Cyriakkapelle isn’t just a charming chapel. It stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of post-war Germany. This Diasporakapelle, designed by the renowned architect Otto Bartning, shares a kinship with about 30 other “sister churches” across Germany, all erected between 1950 and 1952. The Cyriakkapelle, completed in 1950, became a beacon of hope for the Evangelical Predigergemeinde community in Erfurt. Interestingly, its very construction involved a touch of “divine intervention.” Official church approvals were somehow overlooked. Yet, miraculously, the chapel rose, prompting one church official to marvel at this “wonder of our time.” The community rallied, with members, especially women, contributing to the building process. Foundation stones, salvaged from the ruins of Erfurt’s Barfüßerkirche, found new life in the Cyriakkapelle. Even the name, Cyriakkapelle, resonates with local history, borrowed from the nearby Cyriaksburg and the surrounding Cyriaksiedlung. The Cyriakkapelle carries a unique distinction. Unlike its sister chapels, its design deviates slightly from Bartning’s typical asymmetrical roof. Here, a kink on both sides of the roof sets it apart, a result of a 1963 expansion of the integrated apartment initially intended for a parish nurse. In 2009, the chapel hosted the “Otto Bartning and the (other) Bauhaus” exhibition, showcasing its architectural lineage. The chapel played another significant role during the 2021 BUGA (Bundesgartenschau), serving as a “Church in the Green” and a place of tranquility amidst the vibrant horticultural displays. This chapel has seen and sheltered much. It whispers stories of resilience, community, and faith against a backdrop of rubble and regrowth. The Cyriakkapelle remains largely in its original state, lovingly maintained by the Cyriakkreis, a dedicated group within the Predigergemeinde. They organize events and ensure the chapel and its garden thrive. The chapel also serves as a venue for private functions, carrying its legacy of community and celebration into the present day.