Friedenskirche, Religious monument in central Essen, Germany

The Friedenskirche is a brick church with natural-stone elements and an octagonal tower topped by a copper dome. Its interior has a compressed barrel vault, a single row of windows toward the street, and a gallery on the opposite side. The altar area holds a golden mosaic, and the walls and ceiling carry colorful paintings by Jan Thorn Prikker.

The building was constructed between 1914 and 1916 during World War I, and its name reflects the desire for peace during this period. The Old Catholic Parish was founded in 1872 and has used the church as a gathering place since then.

The church's name, Friedenskirche (Peace Church), refers to its construction during World War I. The Dutch artist Jan Thorn Prikker created the interior decoration, including wall and ceiling paintings and the golden mosaic in the altar area. A small double window under the organ gallery, also designed by him, survived the war and can still be seen.

The church stands at the corner of Steeler Straße and Bernestraße, next to the Old Synagogue and a few minutes from Essen's main station and pedestrian zone. The entrance is reached by steps to the right of the 1907 Jahrhundertbrunnen fountain in front of the building. The lower church hall, renovated in 2005, is used for events and concerts.

The building underwent comprehensive restoration between 2003 and 2006 after suffering significant damage, funded by local companies and private donors. This restoration work saved the artistic details and structural elements from further deterioration.