St. Salvator und Sebastian in Weilheim in Oberbayern is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque Bavarian countryside, offering visitors a journey back in time to the Gothic era. This charming cemetery church, built in the 15th century, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural beauty that characterizes this region of Germany.
The story of St. Salvator und Sebastian begins during the tumultuous times of the Black Death in 1349 when the hill known as Betberg served as a burial ground for plague victims. In 1449, a pious widow named Seitz had a chapel constructed here, later expanded in 1481. By 1521, the cemetery was moved from the town center to this site, transforming the chapel into a cemetery church. The addition of a porch in 1526 and a tower in 1584 by Hans Guggemoos further enhanced its architectural allure.
As you approach the church, the tower immediately captures your attention with its intricate terracotta friezes and blind arches. The tower is divided into square and octagonal sections, crowned by a pointed spire. Above the entrance, a terracotta relief of Salvator Mundi invites you into the sacred space. The exterior walls are adorned with pointed arch niches, and a late Gothic tracery window graces the choir's façade.
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Entering through the porch, you are greeted by a pointed barrel vault. The central space is dominated by a complex ribbed vault supported by a slender central column, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The walls are divided by shield arches, leading you to the choir, also featuring a ribbed vault.
One of the church's most captivating features is its extensive fresco cycle, illustrating the Passion of Christ. Painted between 1591 and 1615 by the local artist Elias Greither the Elder, these frescoes were commissioned by Weilheim’s citizens, whose coats of arms and names are proudly displayed beneath the scenes. The porch frescoes depict the condemnation of Saint Sebastian and the miracles of Jesus, while the central space showcases scenes like the Last Supper and Jesus before Pilate.
The central column is adorned with frescoes portraying the Crucifixion, Descent from the Cross, Entombment, Harrowing of Hell, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. The choir's vault is dedicated to the twelve apostles, surrounding the coats of arms of Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria and his wife Renata of Lorraine. Above the chancel arch, the Last Judgment unfolds in vivid detail.
The church houses a magnificent winged altar, crafted around 1470/80 by an unknown master. The central panel depicts the Throne of Grace, flanked by Mary and John the Baptist. The left panel features Saint Sebastian, while the right is believed to show either Saint George or Saint Achatius. The outer wings portray the Annunciation, with the Archangel Gabriel and Mary, watched over by the Holy Spirit as a dove.
The church is also home to several poignant memorials. In the choir, two painted epitaphs from the 17th century honor the Dumperger family, while a gravestone for Mayor Hans Rait (†1608) depicts him kneeling before the Crucified. The porch houses additional gravestones from the 16th century, adorned with reliefs and coats of arms, including one for Mayor Hans Engelhard (†1558) featuring an Annunciation scene.
In 1995, organ builder Josef Maier from Hergensweiler crafted a new organ for the church, featuring four registers on a manual with an attached pedal. This instrument, with its mechanical action, continues to fill the space with music, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of this historic site.
Visiting St. Salvator und Sebastian offers a unique opportunity to explore a slice of Bavarian history, where art, architecture, and spirituality intertwine. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this church invites you to discover its timeless beauty and the stories it holds within its walls.
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