×
4.5/5 out of 121,126 reviews

St. Cyprian und Cornelius

St. Cyprian und Cornelius Ganderkesee

St. Cyprian und Cornelius

St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church, nestled in the serene town of Ganderkesee in Lower Saxony, Germany, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and art. This late Gothic hall church, now serving as an Evangelical Lutheran place of worship, stands as a testament to centuries of religious devotion and architectural evolution.

The History of St. Cyprian und Cornelius

The origins of St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church date back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest structures in the region. The church's Romanesque fieldstone tower, with its distinctive coupled sound arcades made of Porta sandstone, is a remnant from this period. The main body of the church, however, was constructed in the first half of the 15th century using a combination of fieldstone and brick masonry, characteristic of late Gothic architecture.

In around 1500, a brick sacristy was added, and the church's windows were adorned with intricate stone tracery. The eastern gables of the nave are particularly striking, decorated with ascending blind arches that add a sense of verticality and grandeur to the structure.

Inside, the tower features a cross vault supported by pillars and stout columns with flat bases, dating from the early 12th century. These columns bear cube capitals reminiscent of those in the eastern crypt of Bremen Cathedral. Two round-arched passages lead into the spacious hall church, which follows a Westphalian model with three naves and three bays. The central nave's bays are transverse, while those in the narrower side aisles are longitudinal rectangles. The ribbed vaults, adorned with pear-shaped ribs, rest on robust round pillars, and remnants of the clerestory wall between the naves are visible, resembling a stepped hall.

The two-bay choir concludes with a shallow three-sided polygon, featuring well-proportioned windows with fish bladder tracery, adding an element of elegance and light to the sacred space.

Wartime Destruction and Restoration

St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church has not been immune to the ravages of time and conflict. In April 1945, during the final days of World War II, the church was set ablaze by artillery fire, resulting in the destruction of its roof and spire and damage to its vaults and stained glass windows. The resilient congregation undertook the arduous task of rebuilding, and by 1948, the roof and vaults were restored. The spire was rebuilt in 1954, and the windows were renewed after 1983, ensuring that the church could continue to serve as a place of worship and community gathering.

Scavenger hunts in Ganderkesee

Discover Ganderkesee with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Ganderkesee with your team!

Tours

Architectural and Artistic Treasures

St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church is renowned for its impressive collection of architectural and artistic treasures. One of the most notable features is the baroque organ, crafted by the famous organ builder Arp Schnitger in 1699. With its 22 registers on two manuals and a pedal, this magnificent instrument is a testament to the craftsmanship and musical heritage of the period.

The church's interior is adorned with a variety of historical artifacts. The altar retable, donated in 1744, features a painting of the Salvator Mundi flanked by columns, creating a focal point for worshippers. A simple cylindrical granite baptismal font from the 13th century, similar to one found in Altenoythe, stands as a symbol of the church's long-standing tradition of baptisms.

The pulpit, dating from 1608, is decorated with remarkable paintings of the four Evangelists, adding a touch of color and storytelling to the sacred space. Additionally, two pews from the estates of Nutzborn (18th century) and Elmeloh (1711) are noteworthy examples of period craftsmanship.

Several gravestones from the late 16th and 17th centuries are preserved within the church, with one particularly significant gravestone from the early 15th century depicting the Crucifixion of Christ in high relief and a representation of the Mass of St. Gregory. The sacristy houses wall paintings from around 1500, including scenes from the childhood of Jesus and other partially fragmented scenes on the north wall.

Folklore and Legends

St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church is not only a place of historical and architectural significance but also a site steeped in local folklore. According to a popular legend, the Devil, deceived about the purpose of the building during its construction, left an imprint of his hoof in a fieldstone on the church's exterior out of sheer frustration. This intriguing tale adds an element of mystery and enchantment to the church's already rich history.

In conclusion, St. Cyprian und Cornelius Church in Ganderkesee is a remarkable destination for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and those seeking a deeper connection with the past. Its storied history, stunning architecture, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit landmark in Lower Saxony, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Scavenger hunts in Ganderkesee

2 years
redeemable 365 days/year
4,967
in over 4,967 cities

Give an exciting experience to your loved ones

myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.

Buy Gift Vouchers

What our customers say