Built in 1935 Sancta Familia stands proudly in Frankfurt’s Ginnheim district. Its simple design a testament to a time of simpler needs. The original church was a basic brick structure. A single large arched window dominated its symmetrical facade.
However Sancta Familia’s story is not just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of faith perseverance and community. In the late 19th century Catholic families began settling in Ginnheim. Previously Ginnheim had been Protestant for four hundred years. Twelve families formed a society. They acquired land for a church. A small mission house was built. The first Catholic mass was celebrated in a local inn.
By 1913 Ginnheim became its own parish. Then came World War II. Post-war growth necessitated expansion. Architect Bernhard Weber son of the original church’s architect Martin Weber doubled the church’s size. This happened between 1963 and 1964. The northern wall of the original church was demolished. A large addition created a square layout. The old structure became the altar area.
The resulting asymmetry is striking. The old arched window remains a powerful visual contrast to the newer sections. Its frame of exposed bricks stands out against the smooth white plaster. A continuous roofline unites the old and new. The parish center a modern addition further enhances the building’s overall aesthetic.
The interior too reflects this blend of old and new. Originally oriented east the interior now faces south. Rows of pews point towards the altar. Light streams in through numerous small horizontal windows. The arrangement appears random yet follows a subtle grid pattern. These windows create a soft diffused light within the church.
Sancta Familia is more than just a building. It is a living testament to the faith and resilience of a community. It is a place of worship where generations have gathered. A place where history and modern times are blended into one peaceful place. It is a vibrant heart of Ginnheim. A symbol of the enduring power of faith. A wonderful example of how architecture can grow and adapt. A truly memorable site to visit and explore.