Johanneskirche in Saalfeld, Thuringia, Germany

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2025

Johanneskirche; Credit – Wikipedia by Kora27

Johanneskirche (Saint John’s Church), originally a Roman Catholic church named for Saint John the Baptist, now an Evangelical Lutheran church, is on a hill in the old town section of Saalfeld, formerly in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, now in the German state of Thuringia.

A Roman Catholic church built on the site in the Romanesque style was destroyed in a fire in 1314. It was replaced with a church in the Gothic style, built from 1380 to 1514. The Protestant Reformation reached Saalfeld in 1524, and since then, the church has been Lutheran. At the end of the 17th century, when Saalfeld became the capital of the Duchy of Saxe-Saalfeld, the crypt under the church became the burial site for reigning dukes and their families.

A major renovation of Johanneskirche occurred from 1890 to 1894. New spires, slightly higher than the original ones, were erected on the church tower. As part of the renovation, the original interior was mostly replaced by a neo-Gothic one. The only damage the church suffered in World War II was in April 1945, when two windows in the choir were shattered due to bombing or artillery.

Interior of the Johannedkirche; Credit – Wikipedia by Von ErwinMeier

Johanneskirche was built in the late Gothic style, with a three-aisled, four-bay stepped hall and a single-nave choir. The original altar was made in 1510 by the master wood carver Gottwald von Lohr and consisted of the central shrine with the relief depiction of the burial of Jesus.

The current altar; Credit – Wikipedia by Von indeedous

During the 1890 – 1894 renovation, the original altar was replaced with an altar designed by wood sculptor Gustav Kuntzsch (link in German). That altar was removed during World War II to keep it safe, but its whereabouts are unknown. The interior of the church was renovated in 1983.

Angels carry a monstrance; Credit – Wikipedia by Von ErwinMeier

The magnificent stained glass from the choir, made in 1514, was installed in the side aisle windows during the 1890 – 1894 renovation. One example, pictured above, depicts two angels with a monstrance, a vessel used to display the Eucharist. The magnificent stained glass probably goes back to a design by Hans von Kulmbach (circa 1480 – 1522), a German painter, draughtsman, and graphic artist.

Burials

Note about titles: Johann Ernst IV, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld also previously reigned as Duke of Saxe-Saalfeld, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and Duke of Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. His children listed below have different territorial desginations depending on when they were born and/or when they died. In 1675, Ernst I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg died. Initially, his seven sons collectively governed the Duchy of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, as set out in their father’s will. In 1680, the seven brothers concluded a treaty of separation, with each brother getting a portion of the Duchy of Saxe-Gotha Altenburg and becoming a Duke. One of the seven new duchies was the Duchy of Saxe-Saalfeld and Johann Ernst, one of the seven sons of Ernst I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg became the first Duke of Saxe-Saalfeld. When two of his brothers died without male heirs, Johann Ernst took possession of Coburg (in 1699) and Römhild (in 1714). In 1699, Johann Ernst’s title changed to Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. To avoid confusion, he will be listed as Johann Ernst IV, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld below.

Note: The link for the fathers below will be listed only for the eldest child.

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Works Cited

  • Autoren der Wikimedia-Projekte. (2006). Kirchengebäude in Saalfeld/Saale, Saalfeld- Rudolstadt, Thüringen. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johanneskirche_(Saalfeld)
  • Bijdragers aan Wikimedia-projecten. (2015). Gebouw in Saalfeld, Duitsland. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johanneskerk_(Saalfeld)
  • Johanneskirche in Saalfeld, Thüringen – Find a Grave Cemetery. (2022). Findagrave.com. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2546901/johanneskirche
  • Kirchengemeindeverband Saalfeld. (2025). Evangelische-Kirche-Saalfeld.de. https://evangelische-kirche-saalfeld.de/
  • Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld/Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Royal Burial Sites. (2017). Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/former-monarchies/german-royals/duchy-of-saxe-coburg-and-gotha/saxe-coburg-and-gotha-royal-burial-sites/