Maria Magdalena

Maria-Magdalena is a church centre in the Rieselfeld district of Freiburg im Breisgau. It stands as a single concrete building in the Brutalist style, shared by the local Catholic and Evangelical congregations. The compact structure replaced plans for two separate churches after the congregations chose to work together. The building was designed by architect Susanne Gross and completed in 2004 after a competition. It cost €5.7 million to build and includes two worship spaces, a shared foyer, and rooms for community use. The Catholic side seats 250 people, the Evangelical side 100, and movable concrete walls can join the spaces when needed. Inside, a large sliding wall weighing 30 tonnes can open or close the spaces. A shared font sits in the foyer floor, used by both congregations. Four bells hang above the quiet room, including a 730 kg Maria-Magdalena bell and a historic 500 kg bell cast in 1752. A small photovoltaic array on the roof helps fund development projects. The site is close to a tram stop and bike-sharing station.