St. Marien, Catholic church in Rudolstadt, Germany

St. Marien, also called Mater dolorosa, is a Roman Catholic filial church built in neo-Gothic style from 1872, designed by Paderborn cathedral architect Arnold Güldenpfennig. A 1972 annex enlarged the nave, added a flat ceiling, redesigned the altar area and moved the entrances; Christoph Grüger designed the new windows.

Built from 1872 to a neo-Gothic design by Paderborn cathedral architect Arnold Güldenpfennig, the church was initiated by minister Herrmann von Bertrab to bring a Catholic priest back to Rudolstadt after the Reformation. It was blessed on 13 October 1874 and consecrated only in 1882 by Bishop Georg von Kopp, because the Kulturkampf had imprisoned the responsible bishop Konrad Martin. In 1972 the nave was enlarged with an annex, a flat ceiling was added and the entrances relocated; Bishop Hugo Aufderbeck consecrated the rebuilt church on 13 October 1974.

The church is dedicated to Mater dolorosa, the Sorrowful Mother, a Marian title reflected in its name. Since 2012 it has belonged to the parish of Corpus Christi in Saalfeld, and since 2021 it has been a filial church of that parish. Its patronal feast is celebrated in the Catholic community of Rudolstadt, where Catholics returned only after the Reformation.

The church is located in the heart of Rudolstadt and is easily accessible on foot. Check ahead for service times or concerts to plan your visit and see the interior.

The church owes its existence to Minister Herrmann von Bertrab, who pushed for a Catholic priest to return to Rudolstadt after the Reformation. The neo-Gothic design came from Arnold Güldenpfennig, cathedral architect of Paderborn. Consecration in 1882 was delayed because Bishop Konrad Martin of Paderborn was held in fortress custody during the Kulturkampf.