The Church of St. Egidien is located in the immediate vicinity of Colditz Castle. It is the largest church in the town of Colditz
It was first mentioned in documents in 1286. After it was destroyed in a fire in 1430, it was rebuilt in 1504. The only part that has survived is the high choir with its ribbed vault made of Rochlitz porphyry. The high altar, donated by Electress Sophie in 1598, is historically significant.
The electress also showed extensive social commitment to the citizens of the town, which was already recognized during her stay in Colditz. On the right and left walls in the chancel are memorial plaques carved from porphyry that refer to this benevolent behavior. They were originally placed to the right and left of the vestibule door. They were only later moved to the choir area.
The organ, built in 1876/77 by WE Schmeisser from Rochlitz, replaced the ones from 1575 and 1707. At that time, these were located on the north gallery, while the new organ was moved to the west gallery. It is a two-manual organ with pneumatic action.
The crucifix dates from before the Reformation and its style is remarkable. It shows a deep cut in the chest, which was certainly used for church rituals in the past. In the room to the right of the altar there is another crucifix. Although it is not visible to churchgoers, it is still looked after.
Martin Luther's friend, Wenceslaus Linck, who was born in Colditz in 1483 and attended school there, is also considered a valued personality. After studying in Leipzig and Wittenberg, he had a formative influence on the church system of the time. He is also credited with implementing the Reformation in Altenburg and Nuremberg, which brought about extensive changes in church history that are still in effect today. A memorial plaque commemorates him in the vestibule. Old tiles are visible behind the chest opposite the plaque. They are the last of the original floor.
A recent celebratory event was the 500th anniversary of the bells. It was celebrated with an ecumenical service in the church in December 2005. Another in 2013 - the choir celebrated its 425th anniversary. It is one of the oldest church choirs in Saxony.
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