Church of Our Lady, Sommerhausen

Frauenkirche Sommerhausen began as an early church in the twelfth century, within a fortified churchyard and cemetery enclosure. Before Sommerhausen had its own walls, residents sought refuge inside. The enclosure combined sacred space, a cemetery, and defensive protection. Mauritius Church stood directly opposite across the river. Together, the two churches marked different sides of the same historic landscape around Sommerhausen. Romanesque forms gave the original building a solid character.

In the eighteenth century, the church became an orphanage, changing worship space into a place for children. Second World War damage left the tower standing. A late Gothic Madonna crowns the surviving tower, bringing a later artistic period into the early church’s story. Much of the original church building disappeared. The former church now serves as an artist’s residence and studio, extending its history into creative work. The tower preserves several layers of use.