St. Mathilde
Although the single-nave neo-Gothic church is built on higher ground (on the ramparts of the city wall; Neuendorf 4), it is hidden from the view of visitors to the city.
It was the first completed church by the renowned architect Friedrich von Schmidt (construction period 1854–58) and is also the second youngest in the city of Quedlinburg. Schmidt was one of Austria's most important neo-Gothic architects. His most outstanding works include his work on the construction of Cologne Cathedral and Vienna City Hall, as well as the restoration of St. Stephen's Cathedral. The foundation stone for St. Mathilde Church was laid on July 7, 1854, and on June 6, 1858, it was consecrated by Bishop Konrad Martin of Paderborn and dedicated to St. Mathilde, wife of King Henry I.
With its simple architecture, the church blends in well with the medieval cityscape.
The small stone ridge turret above the eastern gable wall had to be removed in January/February 1984 due to structural damage. The first stones had already fallen from the ridge turret at Christmas 1983. The bell was stored in the church until 2007 and then in the former rectory until 2021. On June 18, 2021, a new wooden turret was placed on the remaining stump of the old stone turret, and the bell was also reinstalled. On August 6, 2021, the knob with a cross was placed on the ridge turret. This officially marks the completion of work on the new turret. The bell has also been in operation since that day.
The large windows on both sides of the nave allow plenty of light into the interior. Upon entering, the modern altarpiece immediately catches the eye. Following a redesign of the choir room in 1953, Halle artist Meinolf Splett created this triptych above the tabernacle. In the center, Christ sits with his hand raised in blessing and proclamation, surrounded by angels and saints. The side wings depict St. Mathilde as queen and founder of the convent, patron saint of this church, and mother and benefactor.
The Gothic Pietà (around 1400) on the small side altar, carved by an unknown artist, was on display in St. Wiperti Church until a few years ago.
Three leaded glass windows from a Cologne glass painting workshop can be found in the choir apse. The middle window depicts Saint Mathilde, next to her the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Paderborn, Saint Liborius, the left window depicts the patron saints of the collegiate church, Saint Dionysius and Saint Servatius, and the right window depicts Mathilde's son Bruno and her great-grandson Saint Henry. Two of the large windows were severely damaged by hail in August 2011 and restored by the Schneemelcher stained glass workshop in Quedlinburg. The stained glass windows above the church entrance were also made by the same company. They were designed in a modern style by a regional artist and installed during the renovation in 2003.
The Stations of the Cross, carved from sandstone, are the work of the sculptor Mormann. The side windows were restored during the 2003 renovation, bringing them closer to their original appearance.
Opening Times
The church vestibule is open during the day. If you would like to visit the church, please ring the bell at the parish office during opening hours. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome to help maintain the church building.
Parish office opening hours
Closed on Mondays.
Tuesdays 8:00 am – 12:00 am and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
No office hours on Wednesdays.
Thursdays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fridays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Prices
- free entry
- donation desired
Church services
Tuesday 9:00 am Church service
Wednesday 5:30 pm Eucharistic adoration
Sunday 10:30 am Holy Mass (during the summer months, from Pentecost Sunday to Thanksgiving, in St. Wiperti)
An overview of all church services offered by the parish can be found on the parish website.
Contact
Katholische Kirche St. Mathilde
Neuendorf 4 | 06484 Quedlinburg
Telefon: 03946 91 50 82
Fax: 03946 91 50 16
E-Mail: quedlinburg.st-mathilde@bistum-magdeburg.de