The old town of Oberursel is dominated by the spire of its church, dedicated to St Ursula…read more
There has been a church on the present site since the 12th century, but the present structure dates mostly from a rebuilding in the 15th century. The old church was originally destined to be replaced by a completely new one, but as ever costs escalated and the old church was reconstructed instead. This explains the irregular layout of St. Ursula's, with the odd angle of its choir and sanctuary. The tower was built between 1479 and 1498 as a guard and bell tower
After being destroyed in the Thirty Years War, the church was rebuilt in 1645, although much of the original fabric survives. The main features of interest are the carvings on the exterior of the church, which include a rather camp knight, with hand on hips, a delightful monkey, a lounging dog and a man with a horse's ears, as well as the inevitable saints and apostles.
Inside are some 18th-century funeral monuments, a fine organ and an elaborately-decorated pulpit. The terrace of the church provides good views over the old town, and tours of the tower are available in summer.
