Evangelische Kirche Alpen, Church building in Alpen, Germany

The Evangelische Kirche Alpen is a plastered brick hall church rebuilt from 1716 to 1718 to plans by Bartolomeo Salla, with a three-sided closed choir and cross-ribbed vaulting. Its polygonal bell tower projects from the facade, topped by a curved hood with a lantern. The south side holds the former choir of the pre-1602 St. Nicholas Chapel, now a burial chapel with the tomb monument of Electress Amalia.

The foundation stone was laid in 1602 by Electress Amalia of the Palatinate, with the building completed by architect Johann Pasqualini between 1602 and 1604. Major restorations took place in 1902 and 1926.

The church shows early Baroque style with Italian influences visible in its vaults and overall form. The choir from the earlier Nicholas Chapel was incorporated and continues to serve as a burial space.

The interior houses an organ from 1771 with 25 registers across two manuals and pedals, positioned at the side. Visitors should check opening hours in advance, as the building is not always freely accessible outside of services.

This church was Germany's first building specifically designed as a congregation church for a Reformed Protestant community. It therefore marks the beginning of a new architectural approach in Protestant church construction.