Saint Petrus's church or Old church (Sankt Petri Kirche oder Alde Kirc Soest / Germany description:This Saint-Peter's church is an evangelist church. It's probably the
eldest church in Westfalen, it's foundations date from the 8th century.
Building and history
originally (end of the 8th century) there was a one-aisled church. It
was the fruit of the efforts of Emperor Charles to make the area Christian.
Because the city grew, new churches were built and the Saint Peter's church was
enlarged. In 1150 an official opening happened, then of a 3-
aisled Romanesque church. In 1152, this church was
visited by emperor Frederic Barbarossa.
The 13th century brought a large Gothic
choir. The 14th century brought a Gothic
tower and spire. In 1709, this burned
down and was replaced by a Baroque spire (like the one now).
During renovation works in 1930-1933 colorful Gothic wall
paintings were found, and also Romanesque wall paintings.
In 1945 a landmine exploded between the Saint-Peter's and the Saint
Patrokli church, destroying the choir and the baroque high
altar. Also the wall paintings got damaged.
The eldest part of the nowadays building is the tower base.
Interior
When you look well, you see scarves in the pilars of the tower. They ware made by
sharpening swards during Middle Ages.
The grave stones were assembled under and around the tower
in 1945 (before, where were at other places in the church).
There are interesting Romanesque and Gothic wall paintings (the Gothic paintings
are mainly made by Conrad from Soest)
The high altar dates from around 1520 and comes from Antwerp.
The triumph cross is 14th century.
The pulpit is Baroque.
The bronze entry dates from 1958 and is made by Fritz Viegeners. The
tympanum above the door is 12th century. is shows the apostle
Johannes in front of Emperor Domitianus.
There is an old baptismal font.
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