Oberkirche, Gothic church in Arnstadt, Germany

The Oberkirche sits on a rise at the southern edge of Arnstadt's old town with a rectangular footprint of about 60 by 11 meters. The building serves mainly for services and displays multiple paintings showing Biblical scenes on its gallery railings.

Franciscan monks started construction of the Oberkirche in 1246, with the monastery receiving its first documented mention in 1266. A bell tower was integrated into the north wall in 1461 to address structural problems.

The interior features works by local craftsman Burchard Röhl, including altars and baptismal fonts created in the 17th century. These early Baroque furnishings show how regional artisans shaped the appearance of the space.

Access is free and the church remains open for services and visits. It is advisable to check opening times before your visit, as religious services may affect access.

The 1461 bell tower was built into the north wall partly to counter the severe deformation of the nave's north wall. The tower received its Baroque cupola in 1746, replacing a steep pyramid roof. The 1587 bell by Melchior Möring was surrendered for war use in 1942; since 1946 the "Klengel" from the Liebfrauenkirche has hung here.