Considering a building that survived the war and reopened in 1950? That’s the Matthäuskirche. This Protestant church stands in Heslach. Heslach is a district in Stuttgart-Süd. The Matthäuskirche is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith and resilience.
The Matthäuskirche is named after Matthew the Evangelist. Locals affectionately call it the “Heslacher Dom.” Conrad Dollinger designed the church for the city of Stuttgart. Adolf Wolff built it. Historical sources say a chapel existed here in the 15th century. Two other churches preceded this one. Construction spanned from 1876 to 1881. In 1890, the church became property of the Protestant community.
World War II brought devastation. Bombings in 1943 and 1944 severely damaged the Matthäuskirche. Parts of the vault collapsed. The roof structure burned and the organ was destroyed. After the war, the community rebuilt the church. This reconstruction finished in 1950. From 2009 to 2011, the Matthäuskirche underwent extensive renovations inside and out. The Vierungskuppel, closed after the war, reopened.
Konrad Dollinger designed the Matthäuskirche in the Neo-Romanesque style. Adolf Wolff used ashlar masonry. The basilica has a nave. It features a central nave and two side aisles. A transept intersects the nave. A choir with a five-eighths finish sits east of the nave. A facade tower stands to the west. An octagonal tent roof covers the crossing. Four stair towers at the corners of the nave lead to the galleries. These galleries extend to the first bay of the choir.
The Matthäuskirche stands precisely on the axis of Möhringer Straße. The street runs from Marienplatz. It is interrupted at Erwin-Schoettle-Platz by the church. The choir faces approximately east-northeast.
Inside, the Matthäuskirche has undergone significant changes. A new altar, baptismal font, and ambo were added. They are made of oak. The restored dome features angels and stars. The southeastern rosette and lancet windows have been artistically redesigned. Flexible seating allows for various services and events.
The historical terrazzo floor was restored. Fragments of the original wall paintings are visible. The 15th-century crucifix has regained its prominent place.
The church boasts a Weigle organ. It was originally built in 1952. International organ concerts have taken place here for four decades. The organ has 4297 pipes.
The choir windows, installed in 1960, are important examples of postwar glass art. Adolf V. Saile created colorful figures against a blue backdrop. The windows depict Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.
The Christmas window shows the Annunciation. A circle of angels surrounds the angel. The Easter window features the resurrected Christ. Symbols of the Passion are present. The Pentecost window depicts the Holy Spirit. The apostles react in different ways.
Saskia Schultz artistically designed the south rosette. It includes text from 1 Corinthians 13. The dome’s original colors have been preserved. Original and new elements remain distinguishable.
Today, the Matthäuskirche welcomes all. It provides a space for reflection and peace. It is a testament to history. It is an example of artistic renewal in Stuttgart-Heslach.