Drawn to this sculpture, aren’t you? The St.-Franziskus-Brunnen here stands as a testament to faith and art. But how did this landmark come to be?
St. Franziskus Church is a Catholic church. It is located in Mannheim’s Waldhof district. The church construction occurred between 1905 and 1907. Ludwig Maier designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. Christian Leonhard oversaw the construction.
The history of this area began with the St. Gobain mirror factory in 1853. The company built a workers’ settlement. They also erected the Spiegelkirche in 1861. It was under the patronage of Maria Himmelfahrt.
As the population grew, a new church became essential. The foundation stone was laid in 1905. Archbishop Thomas Nörber consecrated the church on May 28, 1908. It was dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. A separate parish was established the following year.
During World War II, an air raid damaged the church. Fire engulfed the tower and roof. Fortunately, it was extinguished in time. A major renovation took place in 1953 and 1954. The original Romanesque Revival features were removed at this time. New bells were installed in 1954 and 1955. In 2002, St. Franziskus joined with St. Lioba and St. Elisabeth. Together, they formed the pastoral care unit of Mannheim-Waldhof-Gartenstadt.
The architecture of St. Franziskus is quite striking. It is in the center of Waldhof. The three-aisled basilica includes a transept. The bell tower stands beside the semi-circular choir. The church is 39.10 meters long. The nave is 19.90 meters wide. The transept measures 27 meters wide and 14 meters high. Light plaster surfaces and red sandstone define the exterior. Large rose windows adorn the portal and transept sides.
Inside, you’ll notice a coffered wooden ceiling. The original high altar was modified in 1954. Its columns were removed. In 1970, the altar was completely removed. This was part of the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council.
The organ, built in 1981 by Winfried Albiez, has 33 registers. The first manual serves as a coupling manual. It has several mechanical combination options.
Today, St. Franziskus continues to be a focal point. It is a place of worship. It is a symbol of Waldhof’s history.