St. Marienkirche

St. Marienkirche is a neo-baroque church in eastern Offenbach with a striking tower rising about 60 meters and a basilica floor plan. The building features sandstone carvings and sits prominently near Mathildenplatz.

Construction began in 1911 after architect Ludwig Becker won a design competition, and the bishop consecrated it in 1913. The church rose during a period when Offenbach was expanding rapidly and needed new religious centers for its growing population.

The church serves both German and Italian-speaking Catholic communities, reflecting Offenbach's diverse population. You can see this multicultural aspect reflected in the regular services and how different groups use the space.

You can climb the bell tower stairs, which have about 300 steps, to see the ten bells including four historic ones. The climb is demanding, but the views across the city make it worthwhile.

Inside sits a historic Klais organ from 1914 with 30 registers and pneumatic mechanics, one of the rare surviving instruments from that era. This organ still plays during special services and concerts held at the church.