St. Johannis, Ansbach

St. Johannis is a Lutheran parish church in Ansbach, Middle Franconia. It stands on the market square with two unequal sandstone towers rising above the town. The church was first mentioned in 1139 and construction began in the early 15th century. Gothic architecture defines its three-aisled nave and choir, completed in 1435 and 1441 respectively. The northern side faces the market while the towers reflect a common Ansbach style. Sandstone gives the building a warm, earthy tone. The church holds historical significance as the site of the first Lutheran service in Ansbach on 9 April 1525. Johann Rurer, the town priest, led the service spreading Protestant ideas. The Bachwoche Ansbach uses the church as a concert venue, hosting organ performances. Inside, a 1962 Rieger organ was restored in 1991 by Mühleisen. Military Church records were once kept in the church’s chaplaincy. Visitors find a funeral chapel in the crypt housing margrave coffins. Bronze, copper and marble caskets are arranged in a hemicycle beneath black draperies. Some small coffins belong to children, two engraved with bronze effigies or epitaphs. One epitaph mourns a princess who died young, comparing her to a rose taken too soon. The choir and nave form a single space, connected after construction. The market-side entrance welcomes visitors to explore its Gothic structure and quiet crypt.