Beneath the baroque facade of St. Crucis lies a tale of resilience. This Catholic church stands on the edge of Erfurt’s old town. It bears the marks of time and transformation.
St. Crucis, also known as Neuwerkskirche, has a history dating back to 1168. It was first mentioned in documents then. The church was part of the new part of the city. This new part was built in 1166 and called “auf dem neuen Werke.” Hence, the name Neuwerkskirche stuck.
Originally, St. Crucis belonged to the convent of Augustinian nuns. The convent was called Neuwerkskloster. From 1285, it served as a parish church. The late Romanesque building saw a significant change between 1466 and 1473. It was rebuilt in Late Gothic style. Later, from 1731 to 1735, it was transformed into the Baroque style you see today. Bishop Gudenus consecrated the church on September 25, 1735. The interior was completed by 1740.
A devastating fire in 1291 destroyed the church and convent. It also destroyed a third of Erfurt. But the buildings were rebuilt by 1295. During the Peasants’ War, the rich monastery treasure was plundered in 1525. The remaining treasure was seized by the Swedes in 1631.
The church’s story is intertwined with the Augustinian nuns for over 600 years. The monastery was dissolved on March 11, 1819. The last parts of the monastery were demolished in 1881. Yet, St. Crucis remained a parish church.
Look closer at the church’s most prized possession. It is the organ built by Franciscus Volckland from Erfurt. He built it from about 1732 to 1737. This purely mechanical instrument boasts 28 stops on two manuals and pedal. It stands as one of central Germany’s most significant Baroque instruments. The organ was restored and partially reconstructed between 2000 and 2003. Alexander Schuke from Potsdam carried out the work. Today, the Volckland organ is used for services. It is also used for concerts and international organ seminars. It is an integral part of the Bach-Liszt Organ Competition.
Between 1978 and 1986, St. Crucis underwent extensive restoration. From 1982 to 2016, the parishes of St. Wigbert and St. Crucis were united. They formed a single Catholic parish.
St. Crucis stands as a testament to Erfurt’s history. It has seen fire, war, and transformation. Its walls echo with centuries of prayer and music. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the stories it holds within its baroque embrace.