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65,000 euros for St. Mary's Church: funding agreement handed over in Jena!
On July 2, 2025, a funding agreement for the addition to the St. Marienkirche lodge will be handed over in Jena-Zwätzen. The DSD is celebrating 40 years of monument protection.
65,000 euros for St. Mary's Church: funding agreement handed over in Jena!
An important step in monument preservation will be celebrated in Jena-Zwätzen on July 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. Friedrich Bürglen, local curator of the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD), will present Pastor Mariana Willer with a symbolic funding agreement for 65,000 euros, which is intended for the addition of a box in St. Mary's Church. This sum is part of the comprehensive funding of over 580 objects in Thuringia that the DSD is celebrating this year while also celebrating its 40th anniversary.
St. Mary's Church, which once served the Teutonic Order, has a long and varied history. According to denkmalsschutz.de, the oldest parts of the building probably date from the 12th century, although a dendrochronological examination of the old entrance door was able to date the felling date of the wood used back to 1223. The church was originally designed as a hall church with a retracted choir in the east.
Architectural highlights of St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is causing a stir not only because of its funding, but also because of its impressive architectural history. The original romantic construction was redesigned several times over the centuries. A Gothic renovation of the choir and the new construction of the west tower are dated to the beginning of the 16th century. Over the years, the church became a cultural center of the region, which still houses a large number of valuable works of art.
The notable pieces of equipment include a dugout chest from 1275, a winged altar from 1517 and a small Romanesque figure of Christ. The unrestored patron's box, with its coat of arms of the former Commander of the Teutonic Order, also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the building. Inside there are gravestones and epitaphs that speak of the painful past and underline the historical value of the church. The three bells in the tower, which were cast from chilled iron in 1918, replace the bronze bells that were withdrawn during the First World War.
The role of monument preservation
The importance of such restoration projects is also discussed in the renowned magazine VdL Monument Preservation. This scientific publication has been published since 1899 and deals with fundamental questions in monument research as well as current topics regarding the preservation of historical heritage. In 2025, the journal will appear as an open access publication, enabling even broader access to information about monument preservation.
Overall, the upcoming press event in Jena-Zwätz shows not only the commitment of the DSD, but also the appreciation for a national heritage that has been shaped by various influences over the centuries. With the addition of a box in St. Mary's Church, a further step is taken towards the preservation and appreciation of this historical site.
For anyone interested: The press event will take place on July 2nd - perhaps an opportunity to get an idea of the historical splendor of St. Mary's Church for yourself. Discover the fascinating architectural history and the cultural treasures it has to offer.