In the vault of the stars

In the vault of the stars Around the earth’s circle, the whole arches over the individual. The glow of the stars clears the darkness into the light of life. Time turns in infinity and gives a hint of eternity in the silence. Do the stars radiate the triad of the messenger of light into the depths of earthly existence. When at dawn their twinkling and ringing fades away, a bright star leads you out into the distance, to be so close to you that you recognize the wonders of life and the right measure. But be aware, even the star that shines only for you, always reaches out to its sisters and brothers behind the clouds. Decide for yourself along the earthly paths to the star of a living community in a moving change.

Text | Photography: Peter Michael Lupp
Image editing: Elke Birkelbach

49°14'50.096 “N 7°21'49.410 “E

Prot. Alexanderkirche, Zweibrücken. Remains of the medieval. Church integrated into the present building. Built by Duke Alexander 1493-1515 as the first town church. Interior originally with “star vault”, almost completely destroyed in 1945, simplified reconstruction in 1953-55.

The Protestant Alexander Church in Zweibrücken was built at the end of the 15th century under Duke Alexander and was one of the most important late Gothic church buildings in the Palatinate. The late medieval spatial structure was characterized by a slightly rising star vault in the central nave, which rested on mighty round pillars. The branching and intersecting ribs of this vault formed a veritable network of star motifs in the “sky” of the church. Obviously, the believers were to be given an orientation for the “light of life” when they raised their eyes. After severe destruction in the 17th century, the Alexanderskirche was completed in the 18th century and rebuilt in 1904-1911 together with its starry vault [see illustration]. On March 14, 1945, the church was destroyed down to the surrounding walls. A simplified reconstruction with a flat ceiling was carried out in 1953-1956. Today’s church is based on the late Gothic structure.

The thinking pictures of the Alexanderskirche are reminiscent of the original spatial structure with the star vault and its imagery.