Klosterkirche St. Konrad

“A hidden gem?” whispered a visitor, gazing at Klosterkirche St. Konrad. “More like a forgotten treasure,” their companion replied. Klosterkirche St. Konrad stands as a testament to time. It whispers stories of Jesuit ambition, baroque artistry, and the enduring spirit of faith. Originally built as a Jesuit church between 1604 and 1607, it was dedicated to Saint Konrad, Bishop of Konstanz from 934 to 975. The church’s late Renaissance style echoed Roman architectural ideals. Its design featured a nave with piers supporting the walls and a recessed choir. Imagine the grandeur of the original flat ceiling. Then, in 1682, the Jesuit Heinrich Mayer transformed the church. He introduced the opulence of a baroque, stucco-adorned barrel vault. Fast forward to 1929. The once magnificent vault, now threatened by collapse, was replaced. A suspended false ceiling, cleverly hung from the roof truss, now graces the church’s interior. The church’s story doesn’t end there. The year 1773 marked the suppression of the Jesuit order. The adjacent gymnasium was privatized, becoming the “Collegium Josephinum”. Eventually this building would be repurposed as a theater. Klosterkirche St. Konrad then served as the gymnasium’s church for school services. Finally, in 1904, it found a new purpose as a place of worship for the Old Catholic community of Konstanz. The church’s interior boasts remarkable artifacts. A statue of Mary with Child, crafted by the Dutch master Hans Morinck, stands as a centerpiece. Fifteen Rosary paintings, each bearing the crest of its donor, adorn the pillars of the nave. Four portraits of Jesuit saints grace the choir, reminders of the church’s origins. Look closely at the pews. You’ll find etched inscriptions from students who attended services here in the late 18th and 19th centuries. These markings, surviving renovations, offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Klosterkirche St. Konrad is more than just a building. It is a living chronicle, whispering stories of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of faith.