Nestled on a peninsula in the Feuersee, the Johannes-Kirche casts a captivating reflection. This isn’t the first Johannes-Kirche to grace this spot in Stuttgart. The original, a neo-Gothic masterpiece by Christian Friedrich von Leins, was completed in 1876. It marked the first new church built in Stuttgart after the Reformation. Imagine the grand celebrations that accompanied its opening. The Johannes-Kirche quickly became a beloved landmark. Its single-tower facade stood proudly at the start of the once-grand Johannesstraße. The church’s design drew inspiration from French cathedrals, but with unique touches. Leins incorporated elements like a three-aisled nave and a ring of chapels. He adapted these features to suit Protestant practices. The Johannes-Kirche suffered greatly during World War II. Bombing raids shattered its stained glass in 1943. Later that year, a stray spark ignited the roof, causing the vault to collapse. In 1944, the tower’s spire was destroyed. After the war, the Johannes-Kirche was painstakingly rebuilt. The tower, however, was intentionally left unfinished. It serves as a poignant war memorial, a silent reminder of the destruction and resilience of Stuttgart. Inside, modern vaults replaced the original Gothic ones. Despite these changes, the Johannes-Kirche retains its charm. You can still admire the four-story early Gothic structures, open arcades, and galleries. Notice the window arches, inspired by Norman architecture. Look closely at the decorative gables above the portals and windows, reminiscent of those in Amiens and Paris. The Johannes-Kirche also houses a special organ. Originally built in 1876 by Friedrich Weigle, it too was damaged during the war. Remarkably, it was rebuilt in 1948 using surviving parts. Today, the restored organ fills the church with beautiful music, echoing the spirit of the original. The Johannes-Kirche stands as a testament to both the artistry of its creator and the enduring spirit of Stuttgart. Even its reflection in the Feuersee seems to whisper stories of the past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to