Linden - St.-Peters

The exact age of the St.-Peters Church in Linden (about 6kms south of Giessen) is unknown. The church is placed on a once strongly fortified hill, mentioned in the Lorsch codex. A smaller Carolingian chapel had been here already as early as 810/820, foundations of this chapel have been found during a restauration. The church was probably erected within the 12th century.

The romanesque portal is the outstanding feature of St.-Peters. It was carved around 1220/1230 and originally it had been on the southern entrance of the church, but was moved to the western facade.

There are only a few of these portals in Germany - and this one is pretty unique, though it is weathered and difficult to "read". One theory claims, that the carvings are connected to the legend of Saint Wenceslaus I, the Duke of Bohemia. Saint "Wenzel" was murdered by his brother. Soon after his "martyrdom" several hagiographies were (told and) written - and these were very popular within the middle ages.

Both sides have very weathered lions, sculpted in a different style. This lion seems to hold a ram in his mouth.

This is the right side, next to the door. All the carvings are weathered and kind of "clumsy", compare with the qualities of work, that can be found in France and Spain.

On the right - a small person, holding a club, fights a winged dragon. Is this St. Michael with a club?

On the left - under a bird or angel a large bearded person with a key. So this is probably St. Peter. I am not sure, what he is holding in the other hand. Could this be part of a clamp, used to lift a stone (= petros)?



The parish has a website about the history of the church (in German):
www.ev-kirche-gr-linden.de/kirchengelaende.html