Martinikirche

In the heart of Siegen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, lies an architectural gem steeped in history and spiritual significance: the Martinikirche. This church, dedicated to St. Martin, stands as the oldest surviving sacred building in the city, with a history that stretches back to the 8th century. Nestled on the western spur of the Siegberg, just west of the Lower Castle, the Martinikirche offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The Historical Tapestry of Martinikirche

The Martinikirche's storied past begins with its first documented mention on June 3, 1311. This early record details the endowment of the parish church with revenues from a nearby smelting operation and gardens outside Siegen's northeastern city gate. However, archaeological findings suggest that a predecessor to the current church existed as early as the mid-8th century. This earlier structure likely served as the chapel of a Frankish-Carolingian fortress, strategically positioned to control a ford over the Sieg River on the ancient road between Cologne and Marburg.

Throughout the centuries, the Martinikirche has seen many transformations. The discovery of a 10th-century mosaic under the northern aisle, featuring intricate geometric patterns and sacred symbols, hints at the presence of a significant ecclesiastical building on this site long before the current church was constructed. This mosaic, unearthed during excavations in 1959/60, lies 92 cm below the current floor level and provides a tangible link to the church's ancient origins.

Architectural Evolution

The Martinikirche has undergone numerous architectural changes over the centuries. The original structure, believed to be a late Romanesque collegiate church from the 11th century, featured five towers, including a large central tower in the westwork. Today, only the stump of a round stair tower at the northwest corner of the building remains from this period, with its arrow slits hinting at the church's former defensive role.

In the early 16th century, the church was rebuilt into the three-aisled late Gothic pseudo-basilica we see today. This transformation, completed between 1511 and 1516, gave the Martinikirche its current appearance. The church's exterior walls are constructed from rubble masonry, with the plaster removed during early 20th-century renovations, revealing the stonework beneath. The north and south walls are supported by five buttresses each, between which are two-part Gothic pointed arch windows. A secondary portal is also located in the north facade.

Inside, the church's three naves each have flat ceilings with visible heavy beams, a post-World War II reconstruction feature. The central nave's ceiling is significantly higher than those of the side aisles, creating a spacious and airy interior. The northern aisle was widened by about a meter during the 16th-century renovations, resulting in asymmetrical side aisles. A wooden gallery was added to the northern aisle in the 20th century, enhancing the church's functionality and charm.

The Martinikirche's Role Over the Centuries

After losing its status as Siegen's main parish church in the 16th century, the Martinikirche experienced a period of decline. The construction of the Lower Castle in the 17th century further isolated the church from the city's center. By the 18th century, it was primarily used for funerals and burial services, and the building fell into disrepair. During times of war and crisis, the Martinikirche served as a hospital and armory, such as during the Revolutionary Wars starting in 1794.

The church suffered significant damage during the secularization of the early 19th century, narrowly avoiding demolition thanks to a donation from a Siegen merchant. This generous contribution funded restoration work from 1833 to 1838, allowing the church to be rededicated on June 17, 1838. Further renovations took place in 1911/12, during which the exterior plaster was removed, and the interior received a historicizing paint job. The church was heavily damaged again during World War II, with only the exterior walls remaining. It was rebuilt by 1949, and the latest renovation was completed in 1991.

The Martini-Kirchhof

Surrounding the Martinikirche is the Martini-Kirchhof, Siegen's earliest verifiable burial ground. This area, converted into a municipal green space in 1882, served as a cemetery until 1843, with approximately 60,000 burials recorded. The Kirchhof was incorporated into the city's fortifications in the early 16th century, along with an ossuary that existed from 1420 to 1691. A large bulwark was constructed at the lower end of the Kirchhof between 1502 and 1511, though it collapsed in 1846 and was finally demolished in 1893.

The Martinikirche Today

Today, the Martinikirche stands as a protected monument, a testament to Siegen's rich history and architectural heritage. Visitors can admire its Gothic windows, the unique asymmetry of its side aisles, and the remnants of its Romanesque past. The church's organ, built in 1951 by the organ-building company Emanuel Kemper & Sohn, was extensively renovated between 1985 and 2003, ensuring that it continues to fill the church with beautiful music.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect, the Martinikirche in Siegen offers a captivating journey through time. Its walls tell stories of resilience, transformation, and the enduring spirit of a community that has cherished this sacred space for centuries.