Germany is a country rich in culture, history, and architecture, boasting some of the most breathtaking views and finest music that Europe has to offer. When it comes to religion and architecture, the Germans are no strangers to defying what seems possible. From modest Baroque churches to colossal Gothic structures, Germany has it all.
The first architectural wonder that comes to mind when thinking of Germany is the enormous Köln Cathedral. Standing at a staggering 157 meters (515 feet), it is the tallest twin-spired church in Europe and the second tallest church on the continent, surpassed only by Ulm Minster in Ulm, Germany. Köln Cathedral is an unforgettable sight: with its two towering spires flanking the entrance, you might feel as though you’re stepping into another world. As you walk through its formidable doorway, you are immersed in the grandeur of German Catholicism and true Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s construction was monumental—approximately 312 years passed between its initial construction in 1248 and its partial completion in 1560, followed by an additional 36 years in the 19th century before it was finally finished.
Another notable church is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Germany’s capital, Berlin. If you don’t already know it, it’s hard to miss while walking through the city. Located on the Kurfürstendamm (colloquially known as the Ku’damm) in the center of Breitscheidplatz, this church is particularly striking due to the extensive damage it suffered during the bombings of 1943. What remains of the original structure is nicknamed the “Hollow Tooth” or Hohler Zahn by Berliners. As a further memorial to the dark days of the 1940s, an additional church was built in 1959 in the Romanesque Revival style. From the outside, the modern church may appear somewhat unremarkable—some even compare it to a parking structure—but stepping inside is an entirely different experience. The interior is bathed in a mesmerizing sea of blue, with every surface illuminated by the glow of stained glass.
A more intriguing church is the Hardtkapelle in Wielenbach, located southeast of Munich. At first glance, the chapel appears quite ordinary, but its true story lies before the altar. In the floor, there is a peculiar hole in the shape of a footprint. According to local legend, this imprint dates back to around the year 1250, when a dispute arose between the towns of Haunshofen and Weilheim over pasturage rights in the Hardt area. As the quarrel escalated, the devil is said to have appeared, placing a stone on the ground and declaring, “So wahr ich trete in diesen Stein, ist dies Haunshofer G’mein,” which translates to, “As surely as I step into this stone, this land belongs to Haunshofen.” With that, the devil vanished, leaving behind nothing but his footprint in front of what is now a haunted altar.
From war-torn ruins to eerie legends, Germany has it all. Its churches are among the most famous in the world—and certainly among the most fascinating.
