123 Der Schiefe Turm (Oberkirche) in Bad Frankenhausen
123 Der Schiefe Turm (Oberkirche) in Bad Frankenhausen
The members of the Christian Salt Makers’ Guild commissioned the construction of the Gothic basilica „Unserer lieben Frauen am Berge“ in 1382.
Built on Romanesque foundations, the church is also known as the Bergkirche or Oberkirche.
The leaning of the tower is caused by the underlying ground.
The brine leads to erosion in the gypsum, which creates cavities in the karst.
The tilting was first documented in 1640, and today the tower is even more tilted than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The tower’s spire is 4.60 meters out of alignment.
The church’s structure largely remains unchanged since its renovation in 1727 when a new Baroque tower replaced the old Gothic tower, intended to visually counterbalance the tilt.
There were no bells in the tower until 1765, and citizens would call the congregation with the saying: „Eichen, Buchen, Lärchen – kommt in die Kärchen!“
(„Oaks, beeches, larches – come to the church!“)
The first significant efforts to stabilize the tower took place in 1935.
Today, the tower is being reinforced with underground stabilization and a steel frame structure to preserve it, with much of the original support construction now visible.
An information pavilion next to the church offers additional insights into the history and preservation efforts of this unique landmark.
Further Information:
Förderverein Oberkirche Bad Frankenhausen e. V.
Breite Str. 10
06567 Bad Frankenhausen
Tel.: +49 34671 / 640 50