St. Bernhard

St. Bernhard is a parish church in Karlsruhe's Oststadt district built in neo-Gothic style with red sandstone walls and a cross-shaped floor plan. The building stands as a vertical landmark with ornate exterior details and multiple towers that frame the composition.

The church was founded in 1893 and was the third Catholic parish church built in what was then predominantly Protestant Karlsruhe. It emerged during a period of growing Catholic presence in the city and reflects the religious diversity of that era.

The name honors Saint Bernard, and visitors can observe the statues and artworks inside that reflect the spiritual life of the congregation. It serves as a gathering place for the faithful and a cultural anchor in the district where regular services and church events take place.

The building is regularly accessible, and visitors should be mindful of being quiet during services and respectful of the sacred space. Visiting outside of scheduled services requires a bit of planning since opening hours are limited.

After World War II, six of the church's seven original bells were recovered and returned after being confiscated during the war. This return allowed the building to restore its complete bell ensemble and reclaim its acoustic identity.

Location: Karlsruhe

Architects: Max Meckel

GPS coordinates: 49.00889,8.42000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43