Considering a mountain crystal, have you ever wondered how architecture can reflect nature? That’s exactly what Werner Eichberg achieved with Sankt Markus here in Regensburg.
Sankt Markus is an Evangelical Lutheran parish church. It stands on Killermannstrasse in the west of Regensburg. Its story began after World War II. The Prüfening area was developed. This led to a lot of construction.
In 1958, plans for a new church began. Ground work started on November 13, 1965. The foundation stone was laid on June 11, 1966. Werner Eichberg designed a unique hexagonal building. It was meant to resemble a mountain crystal. Sankt Markus was finally consecrated on September 10, 1967.
The community around Sankt Markus grew. On May 4, 1970, it separated from the Dreieinigkeitskirche. It became its own independent parish.
Later, a community center and kindergarten were added. The foundation stone was laid on April 8, 1994. These new facilities were inaugurated on May 7, 1995.
The building itself is remarkable. It’s a hexagonal central building. It includes the church, sacristy, and group rooms. Triangular and trapezoidal surfaces rise from the walls. They go all the way up to the roof. Some parts are glazed. This design completes the church. It truly resembles a mountain crystal. The resulting ceiling window is special. It allows daylight to flood the space evenly.
Inside, the church is bright. The room is simple and unadorned. This contrasts beautifully with the natural wood furnishings.
Originally, a harmonium provided the music. In 1969, the former organ from the Bruderhauskirche was installed temporarily. In the spring of 1978, Georg Jann received a commission to build a new organ. This mechanical instrument has eleven stops. These are distributed across three manuals and a pedal. The first manual acts as a coupler manual.
The church also has a bell. It weighs 500 kilograms. Schilling in Heidelberg cast the bell. It bears the inscription: “Traut der Frohbotschaft”. This means “Trust the Good News.”
Sankt Markus is more than just a church. It’s a testament to innovative design. It is a place where light, space, and faith come together. As you leave Sankt Markus, consider how modern architecture can still draw inspiration from the natural world. Think about the message of the bell. Remember to always trust the good news.