Church & Inn Häublein aro um 1910

St. Jacobs Church and the Schenkstatt "Zu den sieben Staffeln"

I stand here in front of the house "Zu den sieben Staffeln." This half-timbered house was built in the mid-16th century and housed one of the oldest inns in Bavaria, the Gasthof Häublein.

If we take a few steps uphill, we will reach the St. Jacobs Church. It is situated on a hill and was once enclosed by a wall. This wall served as a defense. As a so-called fortified church, it was meant to offer not only a space for devotion but also protection for the population in the event of a hostile attack.

The cemetery associated with the church was already moved out of the village during the time of the plague.

First mentioned in 1425 as a chapel, the St. Jacobs Church still retains a wall painting from the 15th century. It is located on the left choir wall and depicts the death of the Virgin Mary surrounded by the 12 apostles, with Christ above receiving her soul. The wall painting was covered for centuries and is a well-preserved example of late medieval church art.

In the 16th century, Mitwitz became Protestant under the patronage of the Rosenau family. The nave of the church was expanded. The new lord of Mitwitz, Hans Veit I. of Würtzburg, had the tower enlarged. Since then, the St. Jacobs Church has largely retained its exterior appearance. The lords of Rosenau and Würtzburg were buried in the former patronage church. Therefore, there are numerous tombs, representative epitaphs, and monuments here.

Some changes were made inside the St. Jacobs Church, especially in the 18th century. Colorful stained-glass windows were installed, and a wooden pulpit was erected. This pulpit is supported by St. John the Baptist, who holds the baptismal font in his right hand.

The church can be visited during opening hours - outside of church services.

A visit is definitely worth it!