St. Matthaei, Gothic church in Schnellroda, Germany
St. Matthaei in Schnellroda is a hall church with a single nave and polygonal east choir. A massive cross tower with Romanesque sound arcades dominates its exterior appearance.
The building was constructed around 1250 as a Romanesque church and underwent major rebuilding in 1506. This reconstruction introduced the distinctive Gothic east choir that defines its form today.
Inside, an octagonal sandstone baptismal font from 1609 catches the eye with its craftsmanship. The altar features a rounded pulpit with carved ornamental plates that draw attention as visitors walk through the church.
The church underwent comprehensive renovations in 2022 including roof repairs and tower maintenance. The building remains in good condition for visitors to explore its interior and architectural details.
A mechanical organ built in 1780 by Christian August Gerhard remains inside the church and still works. With eight pipes on manual and pedal keyboards, it stands as a rare surviving example of late 18th-century craftsmanship.
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