Whispers of faith and healing linger around Sankt Getreu. This former Benedictine provostry now houses the nerve clinic of the Sozialstiftung Bamberg. But its story stretches back much further.
Sankt Getreu sits on a rise above Michelsberg Monastery. It was consecrated in 1124. The baroque church we see today took shape between 1652 and 1732. Justus Heinrich Dientzenhofer designed it. It is one of Bavaria’s most significant baroque sacred buildings.
The founding of this provostry connects to Saint Otto. He was the Bishop of Bamberg from around 1062 to 1139. Originally, Sankt Getreu belonged to the Benedictine Monastery of St. Michael. Nothing remains of the original provostry buildings.
Let’s step inside Sankt Getreu. Notice the interior with its remarkable features. The ceiling paintings date back to around 1760. The high altar from 1733 showcases a late Gothic Madonna from the 15th century.
The main altar is dedicated to Mary. The Gothic Madonna stands as the centerpiece. Saint Fides also has a presence at a side altar. Getreu is an old word for faith, which is Fides in Latin.
Take note of the organ. Eusebius Dietmann from Lichtenfels built it. The instrument has 27 registers on two manuals and a pedal. The organ’s actions are electric.
Now listen closely. Do you hear the bells? Two bells hang in the roof turret. These bells once formed part of a three-part chime. The middle bell was sold to Mülhlendorf in 1806 after secularization. Johann Ignatius Höhn cast the original set in 1733. He was a bell founder from Bamberg. The bells boast exceptional artistic design.
The three bells create a triad. Each bears a dedication to the Mother of God. The bells were conceived as a representation of the Holy Trinity. The artistic design of the church reflects this Trinity veneration. Sadly, selling the middle bell disrupted this unified concept.
After secularization in 1803, the priory was dissolved. Sankt Getreu’s church and buildings were used as an asylum. This asylum was a precursor to today’s Klinikum am Michelsberg. The church became a hospital chapel.
After extensive restoration, the church reopened. It is now a baroque jewel for the public to enjoy. The church is, however, currently closed to visitors due to structural issues.
Sankt Getreu has seen many transformations. From a Benedictine provostry to an asylum to a clinic. It remains a testament to faith. It is also a testament to Bamberg’s rich history.