“Did you know that Sankt Anna in Großprüfening almost didn’t make it to the 19th century?” I ask. Sankt Anna stands before us. Its story is one of faith, art and near destruction.
Let’s step back to around 1480. Abbot Johann Grasser of St. Georg Monastery transformed his house in Prüfening. It became a side church of the monastery. In 1488, Sankt Anna was consecrated. Later, between 1515 and 1520, the altar was enhanced. It got an altarpiece for the northern Mary Altar.
For centuries, a dispute raged. The monasteries of St. Emmeram and Prüfening argued over Sankt Anna. Each wanted control over its pastoral care. St. Emmeram had an exclave. It was the pastoral care center in Dechbetten. Prüfening had built the Sankt Anna.
In 1809, secularization threatened Sankt Anna. Demolition loomed. But the citizens of Prüfening stepped in. They bought the small church for 200 Gulden. Thus they saved it. In 1938, Sankt Anna became property of the city of Regensburg.
Then came World War II. On April 16, 1945, bombs heavily damaged Sankt Anna. Reconstruction took until 1962. Workers rebuilt it using the old plans.
Sankt Anna is a late Gothic hall church. It has a gable end and polygonal closure. The church features a warped gable roof. Inside are three important late Gothic winged altars. These altars survived the war. They had been stored elsewhere.
The high altar features a carving. It depicts Anna Selbdritt. This sculpture dates from 1488 to the late 15th century. Some attribute it to Erasmus Grasser. There is also the Marien altar.
Sankt Anna stands as a testament to resilience. It is a symbol of faith preserved through centuries of conflict and change. Next time you admire its beauty, remember its story. Remember the people who saved it. Their dedication ensures Sankt Anna continues to inspire.