Apostelkirche (Apostle Church), Munster
Nestled gracefully in the northern part of Munster鈥檚 historic Old Town, halfway between the iconic Saint Lamberti and the green Promenade Belt (Promenadengurtel), the Apostle Church serves as the city鈥檚 principal Protestant church and a striking example of Westphalian Gothic architecture. Originally constructed in the late 13th century by the Franciscan friars, it stands today as the oldest purely Gothic church building in Westphalia, imparting a sense of historical continuity and architectural purity.
Visitors entering the church are greeted by a vaulted three-aisled hall with a narrow choir, a design typical of a mendicant order church. The interior is intentionally plain鈥攁lmost devoid of ostentatious ornamentation鈥攖o emphasize the clean spatial geometry and light that floods through the simple Goethe glass windows of the nave. In contrast, the choir contains richly colored stained glass panels and a rose window, creations by artists Paul Weigmann and Hubert Spierling.
Among its treasured features are the early vault paintings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, which were uncovered during recent restorations and add a layer of art-historical depth to the otherwise minimalist space. Artistic works by Heinrich Gerhard B眉cker include a sculptural Genesis panel, crucifix, ambo, baptismal font, and Easter candlestick鈥攎odern elements that harmonize with the medieval architecture.
Having endured secularisation in the early 19th century and major wartime destruction during World War II, the Apostle Church was reconsecrated in 1949 and its post-war restoration completed around 1960, with wider support from communities, including those on the Isle of Wight. Today, it remains not only a place of worship but also a quiet, luminous sanctuary ideal for reflection, concerts, and enjoying a slice of Munster鈥檚 rich cultural tapestry.
Visitors entering the church are greeted by a vaulted three-aisled hall with a narrow choir, a design typical of a mendicant order church. The interior is intentionally plain鈥攁lmost devoid of ostentatious ornamentation鈥攖o emphasize the clean spatial geometry and light that floods through the simple Goethe glass windows of the nave. In contrast, the choir contains richly colored stained glass panels and a rose window, creations by artists Paul Weigmann and Hubert Spierling.
Among its treasured features are the early vault paintings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, which were uncovered during recent restorations and add a layer of art-historical depth to the otherwise minimalist space. Artistic works by Heinrich Gerhard B眉cker include a sculptural Genesis panel, crucifix, ambo, baptismal font, and Easter candlestick鈥攎odern elements that harmonize with the medieval architecture.
Having endured secularisation in the early 19th century and major wartime destruction during World War II, the Apostle Church was reconsecrated in 1949 and its post-war restoration completed around 1960, with wider support from communities, including those on the Isle of Wight. Today, it remains not only a place of worship but also a quiet, luminous sanctuary ideal for reflection, concerts, and enjoying a slice of Munster鈥檚 rich cultural tapestry.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munster. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Apostelkirche (Apostle Church) on Map
Sight Name: Apostelkirche (Apostle Church)
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munster, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munster
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munster is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Munster's Religious Buildings Tour
Munster, a German city steeped in history and religious significance, boasts a myriad of places of worship that have withstood the test of time. Concentrated in the Old Town, they showcase the diversity of styles fit to impress anyone interested in religious architecture.
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Munster Introduction Walking Tour
The picturesque city of M眉nster is in Westphalia, the northwestern region of Germany. It resides along the river Aa and is situated not far from the Netherlands border. Munster's roots date back to A.D. 793, when Ludger, a Frisian missionary, was sent to the region by Charlemagne to evangelize the Saxons and found a monastery. Known as the founder of M眉nster, Ludger later became the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Munster's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The centuries-long history of Munster, set in stone, is still very much alive. The carefully restored ancient homes, churches, and other 鈥� sometimes peculiar 鈥� pieces of architecture, abounding the city, 鈥渢ell鈥� the tales of its past rather eloquently, all the while setting a stage that makes every visit to Munster an exciting experience.
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles