St. Martini (Münster)

St. Martini is one of Münster’s oldest Roman Catholic churches, dedicated to Saint Martin and begun in the 1180s. It stands at the corner of Martinistraße and Neubrückenstraße, close to the theatre in the heart of the city. The building began as a three-aisled basilica with a west tower, typical of Westphalian Romanesque style.

The church’s early history is recorded in detail. In 1187 an indirect reference appears, and by 1217 Bishop Otto confirmed five prebends attached to St. Martini. The chapter included roles such as dean, senior, treasurer and scholaster, each with defined duties. By 1344 the number of prebends had grown to seventeen, supported by separate endowments rather than a common fund.

Today the church houses the diocesan youth centre, the Jugendkirche Münster. Inside, daily activities and special events such as ‘Ask the bishop’ take place. Next door, the Jugendcafé Lenz offers a meeting place for young people during school days. The building itself still shows its Romanesque origins, standing as a quiet witness to nine centuries of worship and community life.