Built in 1965-1966 the Steigkirche stands tall. It’s a modern marvel a testament to postwar reconstruction. This isn’t your grandmother’s church. The Steigkirche is part of a larger community center. It’s a sleek concrete structure. Its design reflects the architectural trends of the time. The Steigkirche wasn’t always here. Its predecessor a much older church stood on the Altenburg. This older church was dedicated to Saint Martin. It served as a religious center for centuries. It even predates the founding of Stuttgart itself.
The Altenburg a place of significance held a long history. Evidence points to settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. Later the Romans conquered the area. They defeated the native Celts in the 1st century AD. They ruled for two hundred years. The Roman presence is still felt. A Roman fort unearthed in 1894 stands nearby. It’s a powerful reminder of the layers of history that shaped this land. It’s an incredible smart-aleck fact that few know about.
The Altenburg’s religious significance is also noteworthy. The first church in the Stuttgart area probably stood on the Altenburg’s grounds. It was a long lasting religious hub serving the entire region. This changed in 1321. That year Count Ulrich elevated Stuttgart’s collegiate church to parish status. This relegated the Altenburg church to secondary importance.
The Altenburg church wasn’t abandoned immediately. Records show a kelter (wine press) still existed in 1307. Houses were present as late as 1356. By the end of the 14th century only the parsonage remained. The Altenburg church was demolished in 1506. It was then rebuilt in the Neckar Vorstadt. Its cemetery however remained. This makes it arguably the oldest Christian burial ground in Stuttgart.
The area remained sparsely populated for a long time. That changed in 1910. That year the Reiterkaserne a cavalry barracks was built. This spurred a new wave of settlement. Homes factories and social housing projects sprang up. The Steigkirche community formed in 1928. It branched off from the Bad Cannstatt city church. Otto Engel served as its first pastor. The current Steigkirche wasn’t built until 1965. It replaced a community house.
The Steigkirche underwent renovations in 2017. Its concrete structure was reinforced. The community center was also refurbished. The Steigkirche is more than just a place of worship. It’s a hub of community life. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of faith. It’s a story written in stone wood and the memories of generations. The Steigkirche reflects both the ancient roots and the modern evolution of this area of Stuttgart.