A soaring spire pierces the Heidelberg sky. That’s St Raphael in Neuenheim. This is no ordinary church. It’s a testament to faith community and the enduring memory of a Heidelberg family.
St Raphael wasn’t always here. Before its construction between 1903 and 1905 Neuenheim’s Catholics attended St Vitus in Handschuhsheim. As Neuenheim grew after 1891 so did its Catholic population. The need for their own church became clear. Architect Ludwig Maier designed St Raphael. He also designed other prominent Heidelberg churches. The church’s unusual dedication to the Archangel Raphael is quite unique. It’s a special detail reflecting a generous donation. A family dedicated it in memory of their son Professor Raphael Slidell von Erlanger. His epitaph rests within the church walls.
St Raphael boasts a striking neo-Romanesque style inspired by Italian architecture. The yellow brick exterior is detailed with pilasters and arched friezes. The tower with its pyramidal roof evokes Venetian churches. The facade which faces the Werderstraße draws inspiration from the Pisa Cathedral. A crucifixion group crowns the facade. Kneeling angels adorn the gable slopes.
The interior is more modern. Little remains of the original neo-Romanesque furnishings. The altars by Alfons Marmon were removed. The flat ceiling painted a deep lapis lazuli blue reflects medieval and historicist models. Karl Baur created the pulpit in 1939. It depicts the Sermon on the Mount the sending of the disciples and the sacraments. Udo Körner’s “Cry and Cloud” a powerful image dominates the chancel since 1995. It’s meant to evoke Christ’s death and resurrection.
The church houses older artworks. These include a torso of a wayside cross from the 18th century and a life-sized crescent moon Madonna from the late 15th century. Willy Oeser’s stained-glass windows illustrate the story of Raphael from the Book of Tobit. These replaced windows damaged in 1944. The church’s five bells are dedicated to the Immaculate Conception John the Baptist and the archangels Raphael Gabriel and Michael. The largest bell dates from 1904. It’s a survivor of both World Wars.
Today St Raphael stands as a vibrant parish. It’s part of the Heidelberg-Nord pastoral unit with St Vitus. Its story is one of faith perseverance and lasting tributes. It is a beautiful building and a fascinating part of Heidelberg history.