This historic Chapel, Early Yaroslav style and Russian Revival style, was built between 1897 to 1899. Distinctively first impressions are the Onion Dome in spectacular gold! This is a private Chapel named St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in honour of Nicholas II wife’s patron saint. She was Princess Dagmar of Denmark before becoming Empress of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna. She was born in Darmstadt, the fourth daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark.
I was staying in Nied, a city district of Frankfurt. Where I stayed it was a ten minute walk to Frankfurt-Nied station, then took a train, about seven minutes to Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof and from here to Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof, about 35 minutes. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the Chapel. The most impressive structure to see, and I guess more a yardstick to your destination, is the 48.5 meter high Hochzeitsturm, or the wedding tower. Then you know you are there.
The whole site also hosts what was once an Exhibition Colony which is now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Centre. However, the Chapel was built surrounded by controversies especially when it was required that all building materials were to be from Russia. Special train tracks were constructed to accommodate the wide trains from Russia. Granite was transported from the Urals, the Caucasus and Siberia.
Right next to the Chapel is the Hochzeitsturm, also known as the Five Fingers Tower by locals or The Crown of City. This was built for the second wedding of Grand Duke Ernest-Ludwig, brother of Alexandra Feodorovna. I suppose it makes sense why this monumental Tower is where it is.
The Chapel is beautifully maintained with stunning mosaics and impressive frescoes on the interior. It’s supposed to host several holy relics and artefacts. There’s a donation box inside, and when I visited there was a lady inside selling candles. I accidentally took one photo before she warned "No Photos"! Oops!
This building is typically of Russian Revival or more precisely Early Yaroslav style. And of course built on personal funding by the Tsar. The design was by Leonty Benois (was awarded the title Architect to the Court) and the liturgical objects were approved by Tsarina Alexandra herself.
You can also explore the surrounding areas near this site as it’s dotted with some remarkably beautiful private homes.
But my journey here really began when I was heading towards the Chapel from Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof. This is a city full of history and it’s known around the world as The Hub of Science. It’s also well known for its art deco buildings and artistic designs and architectural marvels. A city that produces a Princess who married a Tsar and still long for a mark in Darmstadt with this beautiful Chapel dedicated to her favourite patron saint_Saint Mary Magdalene._
I do hope you are all inspired to go out there and explore, take notes, share stories with everyone here and to a wider audience on Google Maps.
Cheers ?
