St. Michael´s Church

in Kelheim in the national park Altmuehl valley

The small church was first mentioned in a document of A. D. 1393, but it is certainly much older considering the style of its construction. In fact it is the style of the 12th century. Experts assume that St. Michael´s is the oldest parochial church of Kelheim. Its steeple is very high and has repeatedly been repaired.
When restoring work in the church was done in 1951, two frescos were found in the small apse depicting the Evangelists John and Luke. It is a pity that the figurine of St. Michael, a very valuable piece of art, was stolen in 1961.
500 years ago, St. Michael´s church was ordained to be pulled down, because at exactly the same spot the Franciscans planned the building of their church. Even the pope had allowed the dukes to pull down the church. The citizens also wanted demolition of the old church and construction of a new Franciscan church.
But at that time the parish church was under construction. For lack of money, work was deferred again and again, and from sheer necessity services were in St. Michael´s. So pulling it down was out of the question. In the long run the Franciscans renounced their claim.
Demolition was again impending when in 1803 the government declared St.Michael´s to be a surplus church. The citizens of Kelheim solemnly protested and vowed to pay for the expenses of any possible repair work. After that, the maintenance of the church was granted.
Over the south porch there is a stone relief depicting Maria Aegyptiaca - St. Mary in Egypt is carried on high by six angels. The damaged cupola of the steeple was replaced by a shinglecovered spire.

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Zuletzt aktualisiert am 10.02.2017