Tucked away in an alley, a short distance from the University of Heidelberg, is the beautifully Baroque Jesuit Church. Modeled after the Jesuit Church in Rome, Heidelberg’s Jesuit Church’s foundation was first laid in 1711, but construction was not completed until 1759 (its tower was added later, between 1866 and 1872). The Jesuits, who ran the Jesuit College next door, owned the church until its order was abolished in 1773. For a brief period afterwards, the building became the property of the Catholic organization known as the “Lazarists” (founded by St. Vincent de Paul at the priory of Lazare in Paris). Later, the church was used for a number of secular purposes, including as a military hospital. By 1809, the building once again came under the control of the Catholic community, as a parish church.
Unfortunately, most of the Baroque interior was not preserved. Only the central altar painting was saved. The tomb of Prince Elector Friedrich the Victorious (1425-1476) is located in the north-east corner of the church. Near the easterly doors is the entrance to the former Jesuit College, now used by the University of Heidelberg for its philosophical seminary and by the office of administration. The church is also home to a Museum of Ecclesiastical artifacts from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
While the Jesuit church of Heidelberg is at the end of an alley off of Old Town’s main thoroughfare (the Haupstrasse), it is easy to find and well worth a visit.
Unfortunately, most of the Baroque interior was not preserved. Only the central altar painting was saved. The tomb of Prince Elector Friedrich the Victorious (1425-1476) is located in the north-east corner of the church. Near the easterly doors is the entrance to the former Jesuit College, now used by the University of Heidelberg for its philosophical seminary and by the office of administration. The church is also home to a Museum of Ecclesiastical artifacts from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
While the Jesuit church of Heidelberg is at the end of an alley off of Old Town’s main thoroughfare (the Haupstrasse), it is easy to find and well worth a visit.
Situated at the end of an ally between Marketplatz and the University of Heidelberg, the Jesuit Church, with its distinctive pink coloring, is quite visible. The former Jesuit College is next door.
What a gorgeous building! We were totally amazed!
At one time, the interior was decorated with Baroque artwork. Unfortunately, most of it was not preserved.
The only piece saved was the painting behind the central altar.
Another feature of the interior is this elaborate and quite ornate pulpit.
The main pipe organ is very elegant looking...
...as is its Little Sister on the ground floor.
Friedrich The Victorious, of the house of Wittlsbach, ruled from 1425 until 1476. His tomb is located within the church.
Also located within this structure is the Museum of Ecclesiastical artifacts dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
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