Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer

Could a church rise from tragedy? Here at the Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer, it seems so. This church, also known as Stöttham Church, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to resilience, built upon the grounds of an old plague cemetery. The Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer stands as a stark reminder of two devastating pandemics that swept through this region. The first plague ravaged the community from 1349 to 1350. The second wave followed centuries later, from 1634 to 1635. Each January 7th, the church holds a special memorial service. This service commemorates the lives lost during these dark times. The Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer embodies both sorrow and hope. The church itself is a beautiful example of late Gothic architecture, constructed around 1470. Its pointed arch windows and ribbed vaults speak to the craftsmanship of the era. A late Gothic tracery frieze in a fish bladder pattern adorns the choir. The tower, square and sturdy, is topped with a four-sided, curved spire. Within the bell tower hang the parish’s two oldest bells. One bell dates back to 1464, a silent witness to centuries of change. The other, cast in 1634, echoes the pain and resilience of the community during the second plague. The Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer also holds a hidden treasure. Two tombstones from the 15th century, bearing coat of arms segments, rest on the south side. These stones mark the presence of the Julbacher family, a gift from Baumburg Monastery. Inside the church, the centerpiece is a restored Renaissance altar from 1600. This altar, originally in the prelate’s chapel at Baumburg Monastery, found its new home in Stöttham in 1707. The altar is a masterpiece of carved ornamentation. Grotesque figures, Saturn and lion masks, angel herms, and fruit garlands intertwine in a stunning display. Around fifty angel heads grace the altar. This retable holds significant art historical importance, with few rivals in Southern Germany. At its heart rests a Gothic Pietà from 1520, a poignant symbol of grief and devotion. Tragedy struck again in 1971 when the altar was robbed. Several figures were stolen. Despite efforts, these stolen pieces remain lost. Thanks to generous donations, some figures have been recreated, restoring a measure of the altar’s former glory. The “Johannesschüssel,” a depiction of John the Baptist’s head after his beheading, miraculously escaped the theft. The original is housed in the Diocesan Museum in Freising. A copy, however, can be seen here in Stöttham, a reminder of John the Baptist, the church’s patron saint, whose feast day is celebrated on June 24th. The Filialkirche Nikolaus und Johannes der Täufer isn’t merely a building. It’s a living story, etched in stone and wood, whispering tales of tragedy, resilience, and enduring faith.