Rundkappelenplatz

Die Rundkapelle (“the round chapel”) is tucked away in Altenfurt, an unassuming little corner of Nuremberg. A meditative path, guided in part by a stream, winds through trees and beside a pond, its edges graced with flowers.  Trees obscure the small double-breasted round building, but its feel of wood, clay, and ancient mysticism are palpable to the spiritually sensitive.

This diminutive dwelling has been a place of continuous worship since about 900, plus or minus a century or two.  One of the oldest human rites continues to be held here: A midsummer bonfire and party. This is accompanied by one of the oldest Catholic admonitions: “This is not a solstice celebration,” despite the revelry! 

A large manor house provides a deceptively modern visage to the platz. Built in 1950,  it became a place for gathering and home to caretakers of the Rundkapelle as they nursed it back to health after being catastrophically bombed during World War II. 

The graceful curves are continuous inside the chapel as well. Even smaller inside, not more than maybe twenty people could be seated comfortably on the wooden benches.  The interior houses religious art in tiny grottoes carved into the walls.

The Rundkapelle is a rare marriage between medieval and contemporary religion.