Matthias-Claudius Kapelle

Gazing at the Matthias-Claudius Kapelle, has anyone considered its unusual name? This modern chapel, nestled in Freiburg’s Günterstal district, carries a name that echoes centuries past. The Matthias-Claudius Kapelle was built in 1962. Its very existence is a tribute to a much older structure. Records show a “Mathis-Capel” mentioned as early as the 13th century. This historical link grounds the present chapel in the rich tapestry of Freiburg’s past. While its physical form is modern, the name connects us to a spiritual legacy stretching back hundreds of years. The chapel’s design, by Freiburg architect Walter Körte, features a compact structure and a separate bell tower. The street-facing gable wall, made entirely of concrete glass, adds a touch of modern artistry. Inside, exposed concrete beams and pillars create a sense of strength and simplicity. A striking bronze figure of Christ graces the altar wall. This almost life-sized artwork, created by Emmendingen artist Ernst Thomann, evokes a powerful sense of serenity. The Matthias-Claudius Kapelle also houses two bells, cast in 1962. The “Christusglocke” bears the inscription “Come to me.” The smaller “Matthias-Claudius-Glocke” reads, “God, let us see your salvation.” A small organ, crafted by the renowned Orgelbau Friedrich Weigle workshop, completes the chapel’s ensemble, adding layers of melody to the spiritual atmosphere. But who was Matthias Claudius, the chapel’s namesake? He was a German poet and journalist, born in 1740, the son of a Lutheran pastor. Although Claudius died in Hamburg in 1815, his legacy lives on in this tranquil Freiburg chapel. The Matthias-Claudius Kapelle stands as a testament to both the past and the present. It bridges the centuries, connecting the whispers of history with the vibrant spiritual life of today’s Günterstal community.