Herz-Jesu-Kirche

Herz-Jesu-Kirche is a modern parish church in Schildgen distinguished by tall concrete walls standing 5 meters (16 feet) high with tracery windows and decorative friezes. Six conical roofs define different sections of the building and give it a distinctive silhouette.

Architect Gottfried Böhm designed this innovative modern church building, constructed between 1959 and 1960 and consecrated on October 1, 1960. The project emerged during post-war reconstruction when new religious centers were needed for expanding residential areas.

The glass atrium displays stained glass windows by Robert Rexhausen arranged in a cycle inspired by Psalm 103. These works shape how visitors experience the interior space from the moment they enter.

The church is open to visitors during services and often at other times; checking opening hours in advance is helpful. The interior is best explored in daylight when natural light streams through the large openings and roof opening.

A large conical roof tower at the center acts as a light well directing daylight directly onto the altar area, creating a special lighting effect. This innovative approach shows how Böhm used natural light as a design element.