Altstadtkirche St. Martin, Medieval church in Pforzheim, Germany
St. Martin Old Town Church is a church building in Pforzheim built on Roman foundations, combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles throughout its structure. The interior features stone vaults, columns, and tall windows that display the layering of styles added over many centuries.
The building started as a wooden church in the 7th century, was replaced by a Romanesque stone basilica in the 12th century, and received Gothic changes around 1350. These transformations show how architecture and religious needs evolved over long periods.
The church bears the name of Saint Martin, reflecting the town's deep religious ties and its role in regional pilgrimage networks during the Middle Ages. The interior layout and decoration still guide visitors in a way that shows how people once moved through the space for worship and devotion.
The building is accessible on several days per week in the afternoon, allowing visitors to explore the architecture and interior spaces. It is worth checking current opening hours beforehand, as these can vary seasonally.
Inside sits a modern organ built in the 2000s with multiple registers that create a wide range of sounds. The tower also holds several bells that once called worshippers to services and whose ringing remains part of the city's daily rhythm.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
