Windhoek Travel Guide

Christuskirche

The church is a prominent landmark in Windhoek's historic centre that was built in 1910 to accommodate the Lutheran congregation in the city. Today the sandstone church is a national monument topped by its 79-foot (24m) spire. Its gothic revival facade, made unique by Art Nouveau elements, is made up of quartz sandstone, while the portal and altar are Italian marble. Three bronze bells in the tower bear the inscriptions "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe" (Glory to God in the highest), "Friede auf Erden" (Peace on earth), and "Den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen" (Goodwill towards men). An interesting fact about the church is that the stained glass windows, a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II, were installed backwards until the late 1990s when a tourist noticed the error.