St. John of Capistrano

The Catholic parish church at Gotthelfstrasse 5 is one of the most important religious buildings of the post-war period in Germany. Architect Sep Ruf created a central building in which the congregation gathers around the altar. The unique spatial effect was created by reducing the shapes and materials and by concentrating the lighting. The 12.5-meter-high, windowless circular building made of exposed brickwork is surrounded by 22 supports that hold up the roof and the dome. A strip of light separates the building from the roof, so that the ceiling appears to float inside. The light falls onto the altar through a five-meter-diameter dome of light.