In my mind, the juxtaposition of modern Berlin to historic Berlin is strongest as you take in the view at Alexanderplatz; where the lovely Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church), which has occupied its space at what is now the edge of the plaza since the 13th century, sharply contrasts with the stark architectural planes of tourist shops and the tall post-WWII ultra-modern Socialist-Realist style of the Fernsehturm (Television Tower) built in 1969.
While we would later explore the iconic 20th century East-German Fernsehturm, as is always the case for me, the beauty of the old church drew me in like a magnet.
So, the Marienkirche is where we began our quest to visit some of Berlin’s oldest churches and cathedrals.
While we would later explore the iconic 20th century East-German Fernsehturm, as is always the case for me, the beauty of the old church drew me in like a magnet.
So, the Marienkirche is where we began our quest to visit some of Berlin’s oldest churches and cathedrals.
The plaza area outside the church was originally called the Ochsenmarkt (Oxen Market) and was the site of a cattle and wool market and market hall, with many houses and shops surrounding the church. The market square was re-named “Alexanderplatz” after a visit by Tsar Alexander I in 1805.
After WWII, many of the buildings in the square stood in ruin and when the rubble was cleared, the Marienkirche stood almost alone at the edge of the large plaza and the buildings were replaced with characterless 1960’s buildings against which the early Gothic hall design stands out.
After WWII, many of the buildings in the square stood in ruin and when the rubble was cleared, the Marienkirche stood almost alone at the edge of the large plaza and the buildings were replaced with characterless 1960’s buildings against which the early Gothic hall design stands out.
Along with the Nikolaikirche, the Marienkirche is the oldest church in Berlin. The oldest parts of the church are made from granite, but most of it is built with brick, giving it its bright red appearance.
Construction on the Marienkirche began around 1280 and was completed early in the 14th century. In the 15th century the front tower was added and in 1790, the tower was crowned with a dome designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans. A large amount of restoration work took place in the late 19th century and in the post-WWII period.
Construction on the Marienkirche began around 1280 and was completed early in the 14th century. In the 15th century the front tower was added and in 1790, the tower was crowned with a dome designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans. A large amount of restoration work took place in the late 19th century and in the post-WWII period.
The oldest part of the Marienkirche "The Tower Hall" depicts Medieval Wall Paintings of the Dance of Death.
The church was originally Roman Catholic, but has been a Lutheran Protestant church since the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, serving as a parish church for the people living in the “Mitte” area.
The Main Altar - 1762, by Andreas Kruger, Baroque style, paintings by Christian Bernhard Rode.
Brave Monument - 1662/63 by Arthur Quellinus, Flemish Baroque monument to the Brandenburg Field Marshal Otto Christoph Von Sparr
Baptismal Font - Gothic, dating from 1437 is supported by three black dragons and is decorated with the figures of Jesus, Mary and Apostles.
The Pulpit - 1703 by Andreas Schluter: Carved from alabaster, decorated with bas-reliefs depicting St. John the Baptist and the Virtues.
Von Robel Family Tomb - about 1630, Mannerist-Baroque tomb of Ehrentreich and Anna von Robel.
A Grave Epithat
Organ - 1721/22 by Joachim Wagner, decorative enclosure by Johann Gottlieb Glume
What makes Marienkirche even more special is its collection of precious artworks which include paintings, sculpture and decorative religious pieces from the 15th through the 20th centuries.
The lavish interior is a beautiful place to spend some time and the tall peaceful space is a lavish refuge from the busy streets of Berlin.
The lavish interior is a beautiful place to spend some time and the tall peaceful space is a lavish refuge from the busy streets of Berlin.
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