The Krippkirche St. Nicholas

In the beautiful and romantic old town of Füssen you will find numerous old buildings along the narrow and winding alleys, which testify to the long tradition of the city on the Lech. In addition to Gothic houses, medieval fountains and other historical buildings, there are also very interesting historical churches here. One of them, located in the middle of the pedestrian zone in the old town, is the Krippkirche St. Nikolaus.

The Krippkirche St. Nikolaus in Füssen was called the “chapel to our nursery” in the year 1611 It was first built and served the Jesuits as a house of prayer. As these in the year 1627 After Kaufbeuren moved, the chapel was assigned to the Franciscans. From August in the year 1717 The chapel was rebuilt by the well-known German architect, sculptor and stucco of the Baroque Johann Jakob Herkomer, or rebuilt to the Krippkirche St. Nikolaus. Johann Jakob Herkomer had previously made a name for himself above all as the creator of the monastery and the church of St. Mang in Füssen. The magnificent Baroque complex on the high bank of the Lech is today one of the most famous sights of Füssen. He also trained such well-known master builders as Johann Georg Fischer and Domenikus Zimmermann, who is one of the most important German master builders of rococo and whose main work is the Wieskirche in Steingaden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which is used every year from far away. More than one million people are visited. Johann Jakob Herkomer died, however, 27. October 1717, so that he could no longer complete the new building of the Krippkirche St. Nicholas himself. His work was continued by his student, and by the way also his nephew, Johann Georg Fischer, and then in the year 1718 Completed.

In year 1719 cared for the Füssen Baroque sculptor and stucco Thomas Seitz, who in total 30 For years he worked for the monastery St. Mang, together with Paul Geyr and Johann Bader, for the subtle stucco of the Krippkirche St. Nicholas. already 1718 He had designed a missionary cross in the church and 1720 He also created two side altars. The magnificent high altar made of stucco marble was created by Domenikus Zimmermann. At the same time, Josef Obermüller, who was later also responsible for the carved sacristy doors at the choir altar of St. Colomanskirche in Schwangau, produced the choir fresco, which shows St. Nicholas and is surrounded by numerous angelic figures. The patron saint of the church, Saint Nicholas of Myra, is one of the most popular saints, whose feast day, the 6.Dezember, It is associated with many customs. In this country, for example, every child looks forward to the 6.Dezember, if it is allowed to put a freshly cleaned boot in front of the front door, which Nicholas then fills with sweets, fruits and nuts. In some regions it is also customary that Nicholas, in his episcopal robe and with his typical long white beard, accompanied by his assistant Krampus, on the evening of the 5. or 6. December rings at the front door and visits the children. He praises them for their good deeds and gives gifts, but also likes to blame when it is appropriate. The children honor him with either a poem or a song of Nicholas. The Krippkirche St. Nicholas in Füssen learned in the year 1978 an external renovation. It is a beautiful little church that art and culture lovers as well as believers should have seen during a holiday in Füssen.

After a visit to the Krippkirche St. Nikolaus you can see some more interesting historical churches in the old town of Füssen. First of all, in this regard, the Basilica of the Monastery of St. Mang, which in 18. Century Built has been and Amount one of the following: Imposing Baroque church Remember. It is decorated with ornate frescoes and pretty embellishments and in the Romanesque Eastern Crypt the oldest preserved Bavarian frescoes can be admired. The Baroque Basilica St. Mang stands, as well as the Krippkirche St. Nikolaus, open to visitors every day. Entrance is of course free, the parish of St. But Mang is happy about every donation. Also very worth seeing in the old town of Füssen is the Holy Spirit Hospital Church, with its colorful rococo facade already from a distance in the eye. The house of worship, the center of 18. It has been furnished with a beautiful interior that often shows the patron of the church, the Holy Spirit. The small church of St. Stephan is also located in the old town of Füssen; It belongs to the Franciscan monastery and if you walk around its choir, you will meet the official end of the world-famous Romantic Road.

After a visit to the Krippkirche St. Nikolaus and possibly other historic churches in Füssen, you can enjoy yourself in one of the numerous cozy cafes or restaurants. In addition to coffee and homemade cakes, you will be spoiled here with all kinds of Allgäuer treats. Numerous small and medium-sized shops in the old town, where you can find everything from regional products to high-quality fashion and designer goods, also invite you to stroll and shop.