CathedralWeingarten

Basilica of St. Martin

Basilica of St. Martin

Parish church

The Basilica of St. Martin and Oswald in Ravensburg, Baden-Württemberg, stands as a prominent example of Baroque sacred architecture. Although referred to as a basilica, its architectural style is that of a Baroque gallery hall. It is a significant cultural monument in Germany and currently serves as a parish church within the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.

History+

The current Baroque church, whose foundation stone was laid in 1715, replaced a Romanesque predecessor built in 1056. This earlier structure served as a burial site for the Welfs, including Welf IV himself. The original complex, dating back to a 10th-century palatinate on Martinsberg, was situated on the site of an Alamannic noble residence and a Germanic sanctuary. The Welfs, originating from the Frankish heartland, dedicated the church to Saint Martin of Tours. Construction began following designs by Franz Beer and Johann Jakob Herkomer. From 1717, Donato Giuseppe Frisoni took over as the lead architect. The dome was completed in 1724 and consecrated by Bishop Johann Franz Schenk von Stauffenberg. Cosmas Damian Asam created the frescoes, while Giacomo Antonio Corbellini executed the stucco work. The choir stalls were crafted by Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer. With a dome height of 67 meters and a length of 102 meters, it ranks among Germany's largest Baroque churches. Following the dissolution of the Benedictine Imperial Abbey in 1803, the church has served as a Catholic parish church since 1811. In 1956, Pope Pius XII elevated it to a minor basilica. Extensive renovations took place in 1927/28, 1952–56, and 2003–2006, with a comprehensive restoration of the dome. A multi-year interior renovation, including frescoes and the roof structure, commenced in 2021. The Holy Blood Relic preserved in the church is a central element of the annual Blutritt, one of Europe's largest equestrian processions.

Location+

The Basilica of St. Martin and Oswald is located in the city of Ravensburg in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

On site+

Today, the basilica functions as a Catholic parish church and remains an active place of worship. It is a significant destination for visitors interested in culture and history.

Nearby+
  • Weingarten Castle (Castle, approx. 588 m away)
  • Baindt Monastery (Sacred building, approx. 4045 m away)
  • Veitsburg Castle (Castle, approx. 4077 m away)
  • Weissenau Monastery (Sacred building, approx. 6307 m away)

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Location: 47.8092, 9.6448