Refurbishment of the pilgrimage church: A masterpiece soon shines in new splendor!

Refurbishment of the pilgrimage church: A masterpiece soon shines in new splendor!

Steinhausen, Deutschland - The pilgrimage church of St. Petrus and Paulus in Steinhausen near Bad Schussenried are currently in focus of extensive restoration work. This baroque building, which was built between 1728 and 1731 by the architects Dominikus and Johann Baptist Zimmermann, has a striking 68 meter high tower. A scaffolding has been adorned with the church for over a year because the need for comprehensive renovation measures was determined. The first damage occurred in 2015 when parts of stucco figures broke off. [Swabian reports that] the last major renovation took place from 1971 to 1974.

The renovation work started in the third week of January 2024 and are expected to continue until 2026. The building will be preserved in time for the 300-year laying of the foundation stone in 2028. A large part of the cost of around 4.6 million euros is covered by the diocese and various funding programs, while the parish itself has to raise less than 100,000 euros. A support association, which was founded in 2015, contributes to financing with 80,000 euros so far and organizes a church concert series.

Current progress of the renovation

The current renovation measures include numerous work on the facade and roof. A new, diffusion -open plaster, which lets the wall "breathe" and is supposed to prevent mold formation, has already been attached. The restoration of the gable figures, which are heavily attacked by weather influences, as well as the new gold gilding are also in full swing. The old, dense cement plaster, which had prevented the masonry from drying out.

For the work on the tower, repairs to the dome and the exchange of beams are currently necessary. It is particularly exciting that the tower cross will be covered with gold leaf in the coming weeks; It should be brought back at the end of July. In addition, a ball is opened under the tower cross to search for possible documents or objects.

The way to complete

The cut of the scaffold is expected in mid -July. A damp base was renovated on the north facade and the windows and natural stone components are freshly painted. The renovation of the interior is to be tackled in 2026. Here the goal of improving the moist interior climate and preventing mold formation is also in the foreground.

The renovation work is necessary because 42 years have passed since the last renovation. The latest results show that other churches in the region also have to master similar challenges. For example, the parish of Löwenstein plans a renovation of its church, which includes barrier -free entrances and a fresh painting of the interiors. There, too, the financing is supported by donations and reserves in order to cope with the great financial challenges.

The pilgrimage church in Steinhausen is therefore not only a more beautiful, but also a safer place for the community, while at the same time keeping its place in the region. [Leo church reports] that renovations are necessary every 30 to 40 years to make the buildings up to date.