Did you know that Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche is Dortmund’s oldest church? It stands here as a testament to centuries of faith and history. Let me tell you its story.
Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche’s origins trace back to the Ottonian era. It began as a palatine church. This sacred space is dedicated to Reinold. He is the city’s patron saint also known as Renaud de Montauban.
Construction of the present Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche started around 1250 and finished around 1270. It sits at the heart of Dortmund. It marks the crossing of the Hellweg, an old trade route, and the road from Cologne to Bremen.
Imagine the year 1454. Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche’s tower reached a height of 112 meters. People called it the “Miracle of Westphalia”. Renovations and additions continued. By 1520, the church’s apex stood even taller.
In 1562 a significant decision was made. The pastors and congregations of Dortmund embraced Lutheranism. Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche became a Lutheran church.
Disaster struck in 1661. An earthquake damaged the tower causing it to collapse. But Dortmund was resilient. The foundation for a new tower was laid in 1662. It was completed in 1701. A baroque ornament adorned the top.
World War II brought devastation. Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche suffered heavy damage. Only the foundation walls remained. Reconstruction efforts began. By 1956, the church was restored. The tower received a hood with baroque features. It harmonized with the city’s modern skyline.
Today the tower of Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche reaches 104 meters. You can climb to the first platform by the bell tower.
Inside Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche a grand set of steel bells awaits. Cast in 1954 by the Bochumer Verein foundry, these six bells weigh 20 tons. The largest bell weighs 6.5 tons. It measures 2.50 meters in diameter. It is Westphalia’s largest cast steel bell.
Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche faced a disturbing event in December 2016. Neo-Nazis occupied the church steeple. They set off fireworks. But the church vicar ordered the bells to ring. Their sound drowned out the hateful slogans. The community’s response was disbelief and anger.
Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche stands as a symbol of Dortmund’s history. It has withstood fires, earthquakes, and war. Its bells have rung through joyous celebrations and somber moments. Its walls have sheltered generations of worshippers. Sankt Reinoldi-Kirche remains a beacon of faith and resilience.