Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde

Nestled in the scenic town of Fürstenwalde/Spree in Brandenburg, Germany, the Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde, known locally as Dom St. Marien, stands as a testament to centuries of religious and architectural evolution. This majestic structure, with its striking brickwork and towering spire, is not only a place of worship but also a beacon of history, art, and culture.

The Historical Tapestry of Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde

The origins of Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde date back to the 13th or 14th century when it was first established as a Catholic church. The current structure, however, was built in the mid-15th century, following the destruction of the original building by the Hussites in 1432. This new construction marked a significant transition, as it later became a Protestant church after the Reformation.

Throughout its history, the cathedral has witnessed numerous transformations. In 1528, the church was plundered by the notorious robber knight Nickel von Minckwitz. The last Catholic bishop of Lebus, Johann VIII. Horneburg, was buried here in 1555. Just two years later, in 1557, the first Protestant service was held in the presence of Elector Joachim II and his brother Hans of Küstrin.

In 1771, the cathedral underwent a radical Baroque transformation, altering its Gothic appearance. The ceiling vault, tower, and interior were completely redesigned. From 1908 to 1910, another significant renovation took place, reverting the cathedral back to its Gothic roots. However, the most devastating change occurred during World War II, when the building was almost entirely destroyed in April 1945.

Rebirth and Restoration

After the war, the resilient community of Fürstenwalde/Spree began the painstaking process of rebuilding the Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde. By the 1970s, the exterior had been restored, and in 1988, a dedicated guild was formed to oversee the reconstruction of the interior. The decision was made to leave some of the war damage visible as a poignant reminder of the past. This included replacing the bombed vaults with a flat ceiling.

The restoration efforts culminated in a grand celebration on October 31, 1995. A decade later, in 2005, the cathedral welcomed a new organ crafted by the renowned company A. Schuke, adding a harmonious touch to this historic edifice.

Architectural Marvels

The Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde is a three-aisled cathedral church constructed from unplastered bricks. Some unhewn fieldstones from the original building were reused in the construction, visible in the apse and side walls. The asymmetrically arranged support pillars have a hexagonal cross-section, adding to the unique architectural charm of the building.

The west end of the nave features three galleries, ascending in steps towards the west tower, which stands at an impressive height of 68 meters. The tower, with its white exterior plaster, is flanked by two half-height stair towers, creating a striking silhouette against the sky.

Artistic Treasures

Among the cathedral's notable features is the exquisite sacrament house, dating back to 1517. Standing at twelve meters tall, this filigree sandstone structure is adorned with the signature FHM, believed to be the work of the sculptor Franz Maidburg. Another significant piece is the tomb of Bishop Dietrich von Bülow, created after his death in 1523 and bearing the same signature.

The altar, dominating the choir, is adorned with a sculptural depiction of Jesus, framed by temple-like stone columns and an arcade. This altar originally came from the former Monastery Church in Jüterbog. The choir is illuminated by six plain windows, allowing natural light to enhance the serene atmosphere. Modern metal candlesticks and an Easter candleholder add a contemporary touch to the sacred space.

The Majestic Organ

The cathedral's musical heritage is equally impressive. The original organs were destroyed in a city fire in 1576. A new organ was built by Martin Grabow between 1590 and 1592, only to be replaced by another in 1772 by Gottlieb Scholtze. This instrument remained until 1908 when the W. Sauer company installed a new organ, which was unfortunately destroyed in 1945.

In 1995, a mobile organ with 14 registers was introduced. The most recent addition, completed in 2005, is a grand organ incorporating parts from the 1967 Schuke organ of Leipzig's Thomaskirche. This magnificent instrument, with 64 registers on four manuals and pedal, was designed to accommodate a wide range of musical styles, from Baroque to Romantic.

A Living Monument

Today, the Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural hub. It hosts regular services, concerts, and lectures, making it a vibrant part of the community. The cathedral's library, with its historical collection dating back to Bishop Dietrich von Bülow, offers a glimpse into the intellectual heritage of the region.

In conclusion, the Cathedral St. Marien Fürstenwalde is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Fürstenwalde/Spree. Its walls echo with centuries of history, art, and faith, making it an essential destination for anyone visiting this charming German town.