The Town Parish Church

A church tower clock is not unusual in itself. However, in Biberach, there are two more clock faces in the church. I'll explain more in a moment. It's best to listen to this station here outside or to at least lower the volume before entering the church to avoid disturbing other worshipers.

St. Martin and Maria Town Parish Church is a sanctuary in the town. It has witnessed much: during the Reformation in 1531, all 17 altars were removed.

In 1548, after lengthy negotiations, it was decided that the church should be jointly used by both confessions. This arrangement is called Simultaneum – or a shared church. Thus, St. Martin's Church in Biberach is the oldest continuously used simultaneum church in Germany. In 1548, it was determined who would have services when. With minor adjustments, this plan still exists today. This is how the church ended up having two clock faces inside. One could be seen by the Catholic priest from the high altar, and the other by the Protestant pastor from the nave.

The town parish church is a high Gothic basilica. However, the church tower was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1584. This explains its renaissance 'Welsh helmet'. Inside, you'll find the wonderful baroque artwork by Johann Zick from 1746-48. After years of coexistence and sometimes conflict, Protestants and Catholics found a way to share this space. Suitable for both denominations, the ceiling fresco in the nave, covering over 300m², depicts scenes from the life of Jesus. The Catholic choir, however, is designed differently. With gildings and magnificent faux marble, it reflects the Catholic taste of the time. By now, ecumenism, the cooperation between denominations, has become a fundamental element, for example, since 1967, all children are baptized using the former Protestant baptismal font. The former Catholic lectern, the ambo, is used by both denominations, and the altar belongs to both as well. To truly experience the grandeur of Baroque art, you need to look up at the painted dome. Then you'll see how it continues to rise and rise.