Sankt Matthias Kirche

Hidden within Frankfurt’s sprawling Nordweststadt, the Sankt Matthias Kirche stands as a testament to a unique blend of artistry and faith. This church, constructed between 1963 and 1965, emerged alongside the burgeoning Nordweststadt, a product of the post-war boom. Originally part of the St. Peter and Paul parish in Heddernheim, Sankt Matthias gained its own identity along with St. Sebastian. Later, in 2016, it became a cornerstone of the newly formed Sankt Katharina von Siena parish. Sankt Matthias Kirche isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a work of art. The architects Alois Giefer and Hermann Mäckler envisioned a modernist structure that harmonized with the surrounding urban landscape. Its exterior is a striking juxtaposition of concrete and brick. The main entrance, facing the square, is dominated by a massive concrete relief. This masterpiece, crafted by Professor Hans Mettel and Johannes Schönert, depicts St. Matthias himself, surrounded by Christ and other holy figures. The remaining walls, rising from a concrete base, are constructed of warm-toned brick. A ribbon of glass separates the walls from the roof, emphasizing the distinct materials. Inside Sankt Matthias Kirche, natural light floods the L-shaped interior through a band of windows beneath the ceiling. Two rows of pews face the freestanding altar in the east, highlighted by an overhead skylight. The western wall retains the raw texture of concrete from its construction. Other interior walls feature reddish brick, and a concrete base runs around the perimeter, adorned with figurative relief motifs. These reliefs, including the Stations of the Cross, guide visitors towards the image of the Easter Lamb. Harro Erhart, a student of Mettel, created these unique concrete castings. Other Mettel students, Heribert Pfeiffer, Heinz Oliberius, and Anton Jezovsek, contributed the Easter Lamb, an angel figure, and the baptismal font respectively. The church’s artistic significance, particularly the unique concrete reliefs cast within the walls, led to its designation as a protected monument in 2006. The story of Sankt Matthias Kirche also includes the tale of its bells. In 2001, during renovations, it was discovered that the bell tower could accommodate four bells. Four years of fundraising within the community culminated in the casting of the bells in 2004. A generous bequest from a parishioner then enabled their installation in 2006. Sadly, time has taken its toll on Sankt Matthias. Deterioration led to a difficult decision in 2024: closure. Despite this setback, Sankt Matthias Kirche remains a powerful symbol of community effort and artistic vision within Frankfurt’s Nordweststadt.