Aukirche, Modern church building in Heilbronn, Germany

Aukirche is a modern church building in Heilbronn featuring clean lines, expansive windows, and minimalist design throughout its structure. The contemporary architecture emphasizes natural light and open interior spaces, with functional elements taking priority over decorative details.

The first Aukirche is documented in 1907 and was destroyed in the air raid of 4 December 1944. On 3 March 1946 a temporary barrack donated by the Ecumenical Council in Geneva was consecrated beside the ruins. A 1956 competition, chaired by Otto Bartning, chose the design by architect Gustav Kistenmacher and engineer G. Störzbach; the new church was consecrated on 28 April 1957. In 1995 the Au and Wartberg congregations merged, the building stood empty and was later sold to the Greek Orthodox community.

Since the Au and Wartberg congregations merged in 1995, the building has been used by Heilbronn's Greek Orthodox community of Saints Constantine and Helena, under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany. Services follow the Orthodox rite, and the interior was adapted for it after the Protestant congregation moved out.

The building is located in Heilbronn's urban area and is accessible via public transportation. Visitors should check ahead for service times and community events to plan their visit appropriately.

The 1956 competition jury was chaired by Otto Bartning, and the winning entry came from architect Gustav Kistenmacher with engineer G. Störzbach. Their design is a central building topped by a tent-shaped roof, inaugurated on 28 April 1957. Look for the flat-topped white tower with a dark cross and louvered openings near the top.