Former Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), Esslingen am Neckar

Franciscan Church, Esslingen am Neckar
The first Franciscans settled in Esslingen in 1237. Construction of the Franciscan Church (also known as the Rear Church or St. George's Church) began around 1270. The steeply rising choir was built around 1300. The church was originally dedicated to St. Mary's Coronation.
The magnificent, colorful stained glass windows in the choir were created around 1320. They show a typological Bible cycle and were probably only tolerated, contrary to the building regulations of the time for a mendicant order church, because general chapters often took place in Esslingen. They were painted in silver-yellow, among other colors. This color only appeared in Paris around 1300, and thus shows Esslingen's status as an art center in Swabia. In the 14th century, the monastery also offered quarters for the emperor and his entourage.
In 1390, the painting of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven and the Choir of the Blessed was created on the south wall. It shows an elderly Franciscan kneeling at Mary's feet. According to the Latin inscription, this is Hasso von Lampertkein, a Franciscan master who died in Esslingen in 1386.
From the 15th century, there is a depiction of the Man of Sorrows with angels above the sacrament niche on the north wall.
After the Reformation, the buildings fell to the city, which had part of them demolished in 1668. In 1840, the nave of the three-aisled basilica was demolished. Today, only the former choir remains, which is a testament to the size and importance of the former church and monastery.
From 1908 to 1912, under the direction of architect Albert Benz, an organ gallery was installed and the sacristy was built. It has been renovated and can be used for meetings or seminars. A round window by Aloys Staudinger depicting Saint George was installed in the west façade.
Text / Source: Evangelical City Church Community of Esslingen, Augustinerstraße, Esslingen
stadtkirchengemeinde-esslingen.de/kirchen-und-raeume/franziskanerkirche

Franciscan church in the middle of the beautiful old town of Esslingen