Kilianskapelle, Romanesque former church in upper town Marburg, Germany.
Kilianskapelle is a Romanesque chapel located at Schuhmarkt in Marburg's upper town, featuring thick stone walls and rounded arches typical of the period. A half-timbered upper floor was added in 1580, creating a blend of the original medieval form with later construction techniques.
Built between 1180 and 1200 as a market chapel for Saint Martin parish, it stands as the oldest surviving building in central Marburg. The structure has endured for over 800 years, witnessing the city's growth and transformation through multiple historical periods.
The chapel takes its name from Saint Kilian, a local patron saint with significance in the region. Over time, the building served the community in various roles, reflecting how the townspeople adapted the space to their changing needs.
The chapel is now private student housing and not open to visitors inside, so you can only view the exterior from Schuhmarkt. The best way to appreciate its architecture is to walk around the building and observe the stone walls and timber-framed addition from different angles.
An inscription above the main entry arch bears the Latin signature 'Godescalcus me fecit', revealing the name of the original builder from over 800 years ago. This rare medieval inscription provides a direct personal connection to the craftsman who built the chapel.
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