Münster St. Johannes

The origins of the Minster date back to the mid-13th century, when the Order of St. John erected an early Gothic pillar basilica between 1250 and 1274. A chapel dedicated to St. Kilian previously stood on this site. In 1498, the St. Anne's Chapel was added to the southern transept. A decisive change occurred in 1554 with the acquisition of the property by the Teutonic Order, which initiated extensive renovation work. The original flat ceiling of the nave was replaced by a ribbed vault, which was decorated with Renaissance paintings that are still preserved today. The bell tower underwent several extensions over the centuries: after the lowest four stories from the construction period, two more stories were added in 1445. Between 1594 and 1618, the tower received its characteristic gallery and the onion-shaped dome. In 1983, the church was elevated to the status of a Minster. Extensive exterior renovations took place from 2017 to 2021, followed by interior renovations completed at the end of 2022, including the inauguration of a new organ.

The Minster St. John is located in the town of Bad Mergentheim in the Main-Tauber district, a region in northeastern Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The church interior today presents a simple design. It houses wall paintings from around 1300 on the southern nave pillars and the west wall of the intermediate gallery. Numerous wooden and stone sculptures, including a Pietà (around 1400) and St. Catherine of Alexandria (around 1400), bear witness to its long history. A wooden crucifixion group from 1669 adorns the choir. Tombs of important members of the Teutonic Order from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found in the northern aisle and St. Anne's Chapel. The Baroque organ case from the 18th century has housed a new organ since 2022. A six-bell bronze carillon rings in the tower. The Minster treasury, as a museum, documents liturgical vessels and artifacts.

• Deutschordensschloss Mergentheim (Castle, approx. 207 m away)
• Burgruine Neuhaus (Castle ruin, approx. 2723 m away)
• Schloss Wachbach (Castle, approx. 5379 m away)
• Schloss Sachsenflur (Castle, approx. 5980 m away)