CUSTOMER CASEeCLIQ secures Dresden's Frauenkirche

Baroque landmark identifies eCLIQ as a perfect solution for unobtrusive locking

eCLIQ cylinders keep a low profile to maintain building aesthetics
2026-10-11
1 min read

“Since the eCLIQ cylinders work without a knob, they visually fit in perfectly with the historic appearance of our Frauenkirche,” says Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Gottschlich, Chief Architect of the Church Construction Administration, Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation.

Challenge

With a distinctive dome, Dresden’s Frauenkirche is one of the most important examples of German 18th-century architecture. It was meticulously rebuilt between 1993 and 2005 following destruction in the Second World War. With an average of two million visitors per year, it is a significant architectural, spiritual, and cultural attraction – and has become a landmark of the city.

It is not only visitors who enter the church, however, but also building contractors, sextons, cleaning staff, the choir, organists, pastors, and chaplains. To accommodate them securely and maintain operational efficiency, during regular maintenance in 2023–24 a modernized locking solution was sought. 

 

Key requirements

  • Access control able to meet the diverse requirements of managers and building users
  • System management which maintains the balance between security and flexibility
  • Devices which could be installed non-invasively to maintain the building’s unique character

 

Solution

Following expert advice from security partner Felgner – which has been supporting the church for over 30 years – the Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation chose an eCLIQ smart key access system from ASSA ABLOY. The eCLIQ electronic locking cylinders are particularly suitable as they blend discreetly with the protected architectural environment of this Baroque landmark. 

Programming the smart keys is simple. It is possible to define, individually for each user-group, who has access to which areas of the building and at what time. If a smart key is lost, it can be deprogrammed easily without impacting the entire system. No locks need to be changed.

Further, the eCLIQ locking cylinders were installed quickly and without complex cabling. By simply replacing the mechanical cylinders with electronic eCLIQ devices, the effort required was kept to a minimum. The architectural fabric was unaltered. Cylinders are all powered by standard batteries in each smart key – which typically have a lifetime of up to 10 years, but can be replaced easily if necessary.

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