Radfahrer, St. Jakobskirche, Köthen (Anhalt)

St Jacob’s, Köthen

St Jacob’s, built from 1400 onwards, not only defines the townscape, it is also the linchpin of the town’s history. Even from afar, the two 70-meter-high towers of the city and cathedral church of St. Jacob greet visitors of the city and the Köthen region.

Built in 1400 in place of an older church, the dedication to St Jacob is no coincidence, as he is the patron saint of pilgrims and merchants – people that came to Köthen in large numbers.

Prince Wolfgang von Anhalt brought Luther’s teachings to the church early on, and the ideas of the Reformation, introduced in 1596, left their mark on the church with its simple design.

Särge der Fürstenfamilie von Anhalt Köthen in der Fürstengruft

Even though the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, as a Lutheran, was not a member of St. Jacob’ congregation, his funeral music, written and performed for the funeral of his revered employer Leopold in 1729, links him to the church. The prince’s coffin is one of 40 often splendidly designed coffins in the prince’s crypt under the altar area.

The church underwent a redesign 150 years ago. A recent renovation has restored the church’s interior to its colorful splendor. Today, the church is the working place of an active congregation and a center of attraction for many visitors who enjoy the view from the bridge between the towers or visit the prince’s crypt on display on the first Saturday of every month.

Special highlights continue to be concerts during the Bach Festival Days and other events, not least because of the magnificent sounding Ladegast organ from 1872.

St Jacob’s, Köthen

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