Griechische Gemeinde (Greek Orthodox Church), Aachen

Saint Michael’s Church was completed in 1628 as part of a Jesuit collegium. Over time, its role changed several times. After serving as a Catholic parish church for many years, it is now used by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany. These changes reflect the long religious history of the building and the different communities that have used it.

The Jesuits first arrived in 1579 and held services in Saint Anna Chapel, but left in 1581. In 1600, the town council invited them back to settle permanently. Construction began with a groundbreaking on May 28, 1618, and the church was completed in 1628. The Jesuits also ran schools and, from 1715, offered full theological studies, shaping religious and educational life for many years.

After the Jesuit Order was dissolved in 1773, the church was closed and used as a granary during the French period. It was later reopened for religious use. The building is a three-galleried basilica constructed between 1617 and 1628, with a tower added from 1658 to 1668. Its design follows Rhine Mannerism and is often linked to architect Christoph Wamser. The main façade remained unfinished until 1891, when architect Peter Friedrich Peters completed parts of it.