Saint Matthew Church, Gothic Revival parish church in Bad Sobernheim, Germany.
Saint Matthew Church is a Gothic Revival church built in 1898–1899 by church architect Ludwig Becker and consecrated by Bishop Michael Felix Korum. It has a single sacristy on the south side of the choir, added for cost reasons, and its interior was painted around 1920. A parish garden belonging to the rectory surrounds much of the building and is closed to the public.
Catholic parish life in Sobernheim ended when the Reformation was introduced in 1559. After attempts at recatholicisation during the Thirty Years' War, an agreement in 1663 allowed Catholics to use the former Maltese chapel, and from 1689 they shared the Matthiaskirche. Conflicts over this simultaneous use led to the decision to build a separate church, consecrated by Bishop Michael Felix Korum. The Neo-Gothic building was erected in 1898–1899 by church architect Ludwig Becker.
The church is dedicated to the Apostle Matthew. Since 1 January 2022 it has belonged to the parish of St. Willigis Nahe-Glan-Soon and is its largest church, after losing its rank as a parish church in the merger of the Bad Sobernheim parish community. The 2014–2015 interior renovation widened the altar island so that everyone taking part in the liturgy has room.
The church is open to visitors during regular hours, and guided tours can be arranged in advance by contacting the parish office. Respectful dress is customary when visiting active places of worship.
The church received its first tower clock only in September 2019, 121 years after the foundation stone was laid. The stained glass was made by the Oidtmann glass workshop in Linnich, which also carried out repairs during the 2014–2015 interior renovation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,335 contributors worldwide.