Burgkirche, Gothic fortress church in Ober-Ingelheim, Germany.
The Burgkirche is a three-nave fortress church with a Romanesque tower from the 12th century topped by late Gothic battlements. The building features thick defensive walls and represents a clear example of how religious and military design came together in medieval construction.
The site began as a Frankish chapel in the 7th century before Charlemagne granted it to the Bad Hersfeld Monastery. The building was reconstructed in the 12th century into the form that survives today.
The choir windows display scenes of the Three Kings and Mary's coronation, showing how religious stories were told through colored glass. These works from around 1400 reveal the artistic skill of the people who made them.
The building is clearly visible from the square in front of it and can be viewed from the surrounding area. Access to the interior may vary depending on services and events, so it is helpful to check conditions before visiting.
The ground floor of the church tower once served as an archive for the Ingelheim High Court, combining religious and administrative roles in one space. This dual purpose was typical for medieval buildings in the region.
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