Town church St. Egidien Colditz
The church of St. Egidien is located in the immediate vicinity of Colditz Castle. It is the largest church in the town of Colditz
It was first mentioned in documents in 1286. After it was destroyed in a fire in 1430, it was rebuilt in 1504; the high choir with its ribbed vault made of Rochlitz porphyry is the only part that has been preserved. The high altar, donated by Electress Sophie in 1598, is historically striking.
The Electress is also known for her extensive social commitment to the citizens of the town, which was already recognized during her time in Colditz. Commemorative plaques carved from porphyry on the right and left walls of the chancel bear witness to this benevolent behavior. They were once located to the right and left of the vestibule door. They were only later moved to the choir room.
The organ built in 1876/77 by W. E. Schmeisser from Rochlitz replaced the organs from 1575 and 1707, which were located in the north gallery at the time, while the new organ was moved to the west gallery. It is a two-manual organ with pneumatic action.
The crucifix dates from a time before the Reformation and its style is remarkable. It shows a deep cut in the chest, which was probably used for church rituals in the past. There is another crucifix in the room to the right of the altar. Although it is not visible to visitors to the church, it is still looked after.
Martin Luther's friend, Wenceslaus Linck, who was born in Colditz in 1483 and attended school here, is also regarded as an esteemed figure. After his studies in Leipzig and Wittenberg, he had a formative influence on the church system of the time. He is credited with the implementation of the Reformation in Altenburg and Nuremberg, which brought about extensive changes in church history that still have an impact today. A memorial plaque in the vestibule commemorates him. Old tiles are visible behind the chest opposite the plaque. They are the last of the former floor.
A recent festive event was the 500th anniversary of the bells. It was celebrated with an ecumenical service in the church in December 2005. Another in 2013 - the choir celebrated its 425th anniversary. It is one of the oldest church choirs in Saxony.
It was first mentioned in documents in 1286. After it was destroyed in a fire in 1430, it was rebuilt in 1504; the high choir with its ribbed vault made of Rochlitz porphyry is the only part that has been preserved. The high altar, donated by Electress Sophie in 1598, is historically striking.
The Electress is also known for her extensive social commitment to the citizens of the town, which was already recognized during her time in Colditz. Commemorative plaques carved from porphyry on the right and left walls of the chancel bear witness to this benevolent behavior. They were once located to the right and left of the vestibule door. They were only later moved to the choir room.
The organ built in 1876/77 by W. E. Schmeisser from Rochlitz replaced the organs from 1575 and 1707, which were located in the north gallery at the time, while the new organ was moved to the west gallery. It is a two-manual organ with pneumatic action.
The crucifix dates from a time before the Reformation and its style is remarkable. It shows a deep cut in the chest, which was probably used for church rituals in the past. There is another crucifix in the room to the right of the altar. Although it is not visible to visitors to the church, it is still looked after.
Martin Luther's friend, Wenceslaus Linck, who was born in Colditz in 1483 and attended school here, is also regarded as an esteemed figure. After his studies in Leipzig and Wittenberg, he had a formative influence on the church system of the time. He is credited with the implementation of the Reformation in Altenburg and Nuremberg, which brought about extensive changes in church history that still have an impact today. A memorial plaque in the vestibule commemorates him. Old tiles are visible behind the chest opposite the plaque. They are the last of the former floor.
A recent festive event was the 500th anniversary of the bells. It was celebrated with an ecumenical service in the church in December 2005. Another in 2013 - the choir celebrated its 425th anniversary. It is one of the oldest church choirs in Saxony.
Good to know
Directions & Parking facilities
By car: Take the A14 and B107 to Schloßgasse in Colditz. Follow Schloßgasse until An d. Kirche.
By public transport: Take the RB110 to Grimma Bahnhof and continue on bus line 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Take the RE6 to Bad Lausick and change to the 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
By public transport: Take the RB110 to Grimma Bahnhof and continue on bus line 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Take the RE6 to Bad Lausick and change to the 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
Contact person
Organization
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
License (master data)
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
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