The Öhringer Stiftskirche (collegiate church)

Around 1020, the house of counts of Öhringen established a Chorherrenstift (convent of canons) at the parish church, which subsequently was handed over to the diocese of Regensburg by Countess Adelheid, mother of the Emperor Conrad II, and her son, Bishop Gebhard of Regensburg. 

Correspondent to the still existing deed of foundation this happened in 1037. The original lions at the Löwentürle originate from this construction phase. During the renovations in the middle of the 13th century, the sarcophagus of Adelheid was replaced in 1241. During this time, the originals of the main saints Peter and Paul at the Blasturm were created. 

The present-day late Gothic Stiftskirche was built by the counts of Hohenlohe and the Chorherrenstift. Construction started in 1451 with the crypt. It was continued 1454 with the choir and completed with the two towers around 1465. 

Hans Spryss from Zaberfeld is one of the well-known construction workers. The stained glass pictures in the choir windows originate from this period, too. Around 1485 to 1500, the three aisled nave were built as a pseudo-basilica; the side aisles were equipped with Einsatzkapellen (small sacred chambers) and tracery windows. Hans of Aurach from Central Rhineland and Bernhard Sporer from Leonberg are two well-known architects of this project. 

Until around 1506, Sporer also built the Stiftsgebäude (cathedral buildings) with a cloister and a side chapel, which was presumably used as a chapter house originally. The church pillars are decorated with figurative consoles, the keystones mainly with coats of arms and images. The late Gothic Mount of Olives is located, partly covered, underneath an outdoor stairway. 

The excellent high altar of an unknown master from about 1500 and a stone side altar are amongst the main well-preserved late Gothic furnishings. The pulpit bearer statue, which had temporarily been attributed to Anton Pilgram, was given away to Berlin in 1937. 

The present day pulpit, low altar and font were created in 1860; the present day organ casing originates from the time of extensive restorations in 1888/89. After considerable war damage in April 1945, another extensive renovation took place in 1954/59. In 1923, Ulfert Janssen from Stuttgart created three relief paintings as a monument for those who fell during World War I; in 1959, Erwin Scheerer from Ludwigsburg created the archangel Michael in honour of the fallen soldiers of World War II. 

Numerous stone gravestones from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, partially splendidly decorated with bronze inlays or figures, remind of the members of the house of Hohenlohe in particular. Artists worth mentioning in this respect are Johann von Trarbach and Michael Kern. Gottfried Schadow from Berlin created the marble slate for the golden wedding anniversary of the prince couple in 1799.

Opening hours:
every day 10:00 am - 04:00 pm
(entry via cloister)