Intrigued by its weathered stones? This is the Johanniskirche in Freiberg. A church with a story etched into every brick.
Originally built as a wooden chapel dedicated to Our Lady it stands on sacred ground. In 1224 Pope Honorius II mentioned the St Johannis Hospital nearby. The wooden chapel was replaced by a stone hospital church in 1272. It served the hospital for centuries.
The Thirty Years’ War left its mark. In 1643 Swedish troops used St Johannis Church as their headquarters. The ensuing battles destroyed the church the hospital and the Peterstor gate. The gate was never rebuilt. However a new Johanniskirche was consecrated in 1661. Services were temporarily held in the Rittergut Freibergsdorf. Its owner Schoenlebe generously offered space.
In 1719 a Silbermann organ graced the church. A magnificent instrument. It was later moved to the Freiberg Cathedral in 1939. In 1770 the hospital received a board of trustees. It comprised representatives from the Freiberg city council and the church.
The 19th century brought changes. Large sections of the Freiberg city walls were demolished. Gardens and the Albertpark replaced them. The Hospitalteich a pond was drained and transformed into a public bath now known as the Johannisbad.
A new St Johannishospital opened in 1911. It became a senior citizens’ home. During World War I it served as a reserve hospital. By 1920 the Johanniskirche needed urgent repairs. The city council refused to fund the renovations. A legal battle ensued. The evangelical-Lutheran congregation lost their church and parsonage. They built a new community center in 1929.
In 1952 the Catholic community purchased the dilapidated Johanniskirche. They lovingly restored it. It was reconsecrated in 1958 and serves as a testament to its enduring spirit. The Johanniskirche continues to stand as a silent witness to Freiberg’s history. A place of worship a symbol of resilience and a beacon of faith.