Monument in Mainz reaches almost 50 meters in height, with its pinnacle restored.
In the heart of Mainz, a significant milestone has been reached as the iconic St. Christoph Church, a poignant memorial of World War II, undergoes a remarkable transformation. The historic tower crown, destroyed in a bombing raid in 1945, has been rebuilt, marking the most visible and significant step in the renovation process.
For decades, the ruins of St. Christoph served as a solemn reminder of the city's destruction and a memorial to the war's victims. However, in the 1960s, the city decided to preserve the ruins instead of demolishing them, turning them into a lasting testament to the past.
The reconstruction project, initiated by the "Initiative St. Christoph" at a total cost of €3,480,230, was ultimately awarded to the Mainz architectural firm Bonn. The tower crown, constructed as a steel framework, fireproofed with zinc, and reinforced with gusset plates, now stands tall once more, topped with a tower cross.
A significant portion of the funding for the project came from donations, reflecting the community's deep connection to the church and its history. The historic bell was also reinstalled in the renovated tower shaft, adding to the church's familiar melody that has resonated through Mainz for centuries.
A platform accessible via a spiral staircase was constructed at the site of the historic staircase, allowing visitors to ascend and appreciate the craftsmanship of the tower crown up close. The tower spire, weighing nearly 15 tons and reaching 20 meters in height, is set to shape the city's skyline, reportedly.
Marianne Grosse, Mainz's city councilor for urban development, described the tower spire as a "symbol of rebirth and hope" and a "dignified memorial to the victims of World War II." She further stated that the tower spire symbolizes the preservation of memory while embodying "the power of renewal."
Hanna Schmitz, whose late husband Stefan Schmitz was one of the initiative's founders, made a substantial contribution to the project. Her support, along with countless others, has ensured that the legacy of St. Christoph lives on, standing tall and proud in Mainz.
