Lutheran Church of the Savior

This notable landmark in Baku is also recognized as the Evangelical or Lutheran church, commonly referred to as a “kirche.” It is located on 28 May Street. The church building and its surrounding grounds cover an area of over 6,300 square meters, which is just under 1.5 acres. The community received this parcel of land for construction from the City Council in late January 1885. The architectural design for the future church was created by architect Adolf Eichler, who is believed to have drawn inspiration from the architecture of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Marburg, resulting in a similar neo-Gothic structure.

The ceremonial groundbreaking took place in March 1896, attended by Governor Lileev, City Mayor Irtețki, and members of the Nobel family, including Emmanuel and his stepmother, Ludwig’s second wife. Two years later, in the summer of 1898, a gilded cross weighing over 200 kilograms (approximately 13 poods) was installed atop the church spire. Shortly thereafter, the church was fitted with an organ and bells. The consecration ceremony occurred in the spring of 1899, drawing more than a thousand attendees. A year later, the first classical music concert featuring organ performances took place, showcasing compositions by J.S. Bach.

In 1934, following the assassination of Sergei Mironovich Kirov, the former first secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, sculptor Pinchos Sabsay was commissioned to create a monument in his honor. To craft this sizable sculpture and its pedestal, Sabsay required a workspace with high ceilings. He proposed using the church building for this purpose. Although a decision had been made to demolish the structure, with a corresponding order in place, the sculptor was granted permission to utilize the church as his studio.

The Lutheran community continued to exist until 1936, when it was dissolved under Soviet rule. Pastor Paul Hamberg and several community members were executed during this period.

Today, the church building serves as a concert hall under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan.