St. Anna Kirche (St. Anne's Church), Heidelberg

Centrally located in the heart of Heidelberg's Old Town, the baroque Saint Anne's Church was initially erected in 1714 as part of a planned hospital complex and was intended to serve as the focal point of a two-winged institution. Eventually, only one wing materialized, housing the hospital, which initially welcomed individuals of all denominations.

In 1741, following the separation of assets, Saint Anne's was entrusted to the Catholic Church. Subsequently, the Reformed and Lutheran communities established their own places of worship. Today, the Sankt Anna / Wilhelm-Frommel-Haus, operated by the Protestant city mission, occupies the premises, serving as a retirement and nursing facility.

Crafted from red sandstone, the structure's facade exudes a timeless elegance, with its curved upper section mimicking the graceful contours of a dome. Stepping inside reveals the church's baroque interior, characterized by a serene blue choir room. At its heart stands the main altar with a striking crucifix believed to be the work of Paul Egell, court sculptor to Elector Carl Philipp in Mannheim.

Beneath the gaze of the crucified figure, Saint Roch of Montpellier, clad in pilgrim's attire, stands as a symbol of protection against epidemics and a patron saint of surgeons. Opposite him, an angel bows in a gesture of reverence and supplication.

Flanking the main altar, two side altars pay homage to Saint Anne, revered as the mother of Mary, and Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries and co-founder of the Jesuit order.