Jena, September 15, 2026 – The St. Michael’s Church has defined the historic cityscape for centuries. This coming Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the significant house of worship will be the focus of an event hosted by the Mittwochkreis at the Lutherhaus Jena.
- Topic: The St. Michael’s Church through the ages: Origins – Destruction – Reconstruction – Renewed Damage
- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Jahreis
- Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 07:30 to 09:00 AM
- Venue: Lutherhaus Jena, Hügelstraße 6a, 07749 Jena
- Admission: Free (Donations to cover expenses are appreciated)
Historical Significance and Current Renovation
Construction of the current late-Gothic hall church began around 1380 and was completed in the 16th century. During the heavy air raids on Jena in March 1945, the building suffered devastating damage to its roof, tower dome, vault, and organ. A simplified reconstruction followed between 1946 and 1956, succeeded by a gradual, monument-compliant restoration in the 1990s, during which the Renaissance tower dome was reconstructed.
However, new structural issues emerged in June 2025: after a piece of plaster the size of a palm fell from a height of approximately 15 meters, the vault had to be closed off. Exploratory work has been underway since the autumn of that year, which has now allowed for a partial reopening of the interior. The lecture will examine this current status against the backdrop of the church’s long construction history.
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Background: The Mittwochkreis
The Mittwochkreis is an educational initiative under the umbrella of the Protestant Adult Education in Thuringia. It is aimed at people in their post-career phase who wish to volunteer or participate in weekly educational offerings. Participation in the events is open to all age groups and is free of charge.
Source:
The St. Michael’s Church through the ages: Origins – Destruction – Reconstruction – Renewed Damage
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI assistance.