St. Ignaz Church (Ignazkirche), Mainz

The Saint Ignaz Church (Ignazkirche) in Mainz is a classicist hall church, constructed between 1763 and 1775 under the direction of the Electoral Mainz architect Johann Peter Jäger. Dedicated to Ignatius of Antioch, the church stands out among the city's religious buildings for its unique style, diverging from the Baroque tendencies of its contemporaries like the Augustinian Church and the Church of Saint Peter. Its sandstone façade, inspired by the Parisian Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, features a combination of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, showcasing a French influence.

The church was built on the site of a medieval predecessor, which dates back to at least 1259, though it likely originated in the 12th century. The original Romanesque building was extended in the Gothic style before falling into disrepair in the 18th century, leading to the construction of the current structure.

The interior of the Saint Ignaz Church reflects the transition to classicism, with a cross-shaped floor plan and a vaulted ceiling designed by Johann Valentin Thoman. The ceiling features magnificent paintings created by Johann Baptist Enderle between 1773 and 1776, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ignatius. These were later repainted by Waldemar Kolmsperger the Elder in the early 20th century and restored in the 1950s.

Beneath the choir lies a crypt containing 198 of the original 261 oven graves, many of which belong to the craftsmen who helped build the church. Outside, there is a former cemetery with a notable crucifixion group from 1519, sculpted by Hans Backoffen and now housed in the Episcopal Cathedral and Diocesan Museum.

The organ of Saint Ignaz is also of historical importance. Originally constructed by Joseph Anton Onimus in 1779–1781, the instrument was replaced by Bernhard Dreymann in 1837, after the original fell into disrepair. The current organ was restored in 2019 by Eule Orgelbau, preserving its classicist façade and original design.