Neupfarrkirche (New Parish Church), Regensburg

The New Parish Church has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Originally conceived as a Catholic pilgrimage church, its construction began in 1519 following the destruction of the Jewish Quarter. The aim was to finance the grand Catholic church through the substantial income generated from the bustling pilgrimage activity at the time.

However, as the number of pilgrims dwindled over time, it became evident that the funds necessary to complete the Catholic church were no longer secure. Faced with this financial uncertainty, negotiations took place between the involved parties. Eventually, the responsibility for completing the church was assumed by the imperial city of Regensburg, which intended to repurpose it as a new Protestant church following the introduction of the Reformation.

The significance of the location of the New Parish Church cannot be understated. It stands on the very grounds of the former Jewish Quarter, which held great importance in the medieval center of Regensburg. During the Middle Ages, the Jewish community in Regensburg was one of the largest and most influential in the empire, boasting around 300 members.

The expulsion of the Jewish population was a topic of contention in Regensburg, with multiple attempts by the bishop and the city council to remove them. However, these efforts faced opposition from Emperor Maximilian, who, in exchange for a protection fee, assumed the role of protector of the Jews and required a payment for his permission. The city of Regensburg, already burdened by financial difficulties, was deemed an unreliable payer.