St. Jakobi

St. Jakobi, locally known as Jakobikirche, is one of the five main Evangelical Lutheran parish churches in the historic city of Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This architectural gem, dedicated to Saint James the Elder, has a rich history that dates back to its consecration in 1334 as a church for seafarers and fishermen. Today, it stands as a testament to Lübeck's maritime heritage and medieval charm.

The History of St. Jakobi

The origins of St. Jakobi can be traced back to a Romanesque hall church mentioned as early as 1227. The current Gothic structure, however, was constructed around 1300 after a devastating city fire in 1276. The church's design reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, with its three-aisled brick hall style and five bays ending in a chancel. The central nave walls rise five meters above the side aisles, creating an impressive interior space.

The church's tower, which initially rose only two stories above the nave, has undergone several transformations. In the late 13th century, there were plans to convert the hall church into a basilica, but these were eventually abandoned. The tower's current form, featuring four distinctive corner balls, was completed in the mid-17th century after multiple reconstructions due to storm damage and lightning strikes.

Architectural Features and Chapels

St. Jakobi boasts an array of fascinating architectural features and chapels. The Brömsen Chapel, located on the south side, is renowned for the Brömsen Altar, a masterpiece of late Gothic art. This chapel was originally founded in 1338 by canon Detmar Schulop and later acquired by the Lübeck mayor Heinrich Brömse in 1488. The adjacent Vellin or Warendorp Chapel, dating back to 1350, and the Hoghehus Chapel on the north side, founded by Konrad Hogehus, add to the church's historical and architectural significance.

The sacristy, an early 15th-century addition, features wood paneling with a shell motif, symbolizing the pilgrim's scallop shell. The tower chapels, including the Pamir Chapel, now serve as a national memorial for civilian seafarers, housing a lifeboat wreck from the four-masted barque Pamir, which tragically sank in 1957.

Interior Treasures

Inside St. Jakobi, visitors can marvel at a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. The pulpit, crafted in 1698, and the high altar, created by Hieronymus Hassenberg in 1717, are notable highlights. The altar features a bust of Mayor Hermann Rodde, who commissioned the piece. The church also once housed a late Gothic high altar retable from 1435, now preserved in the State Museum in Schwerin.

The bronze baptismal font, cast by Klaus Grude in 1466, and the Brömsen Altar, attributed to the workshop of Evert van Roden, further enrich the church's interior. The Brömsen Altar, with its detailed reliefs and depictions of the Brömse family, is a prime example of late Gothic craftsmanship.

Historical Organs and Musical Heritage

St. Jakobi is home to two of Lübeck's oldest surviving historical organs. The Great Organ on the west wall, originally a Gothic blockwerk, underwent several expansions during the Baroque period. The smaller Stellwagen Organ, dating back to 1467, was rebuilt and enlarged by Friedrich Stellwagen in 1636-1637. This organ is considered one of Europe's most significant historical instruments.

Unique Clock and Bells

The church's tower clock is a unique single-handed timepiece, similar to the one in Tallinn's Mariendom. In 2019, an incident involving the clock's hand falling from a height of 50 meters highlighted the need for careful maintenance of this historical artifact. The bell tower houses a valuable ensemble of four bells, including the Salichmaker, which tolls solo for five minutes on Good Friday at 3 PM to mark the hour of Christ's death.

Preservation and Legacy

Remarkably, St. Jakobi was one of the few Lübeck churches to survive the Palm Sunday air raid of 1942 unscathed. As a result, it retains its historical organs and many original features. The church's medieval frescoes, rediscovered during renovations in the late 19th century, add to its rich tapestry of history and art.

St. Jakobi is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of Lübeck's past. Its walls and chapels tell stories of the city's maritime heritage, its artistic and architectural evolution, and the lives of the people who have walked through its doors over the centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. Jakobi offers a captivating journey through time in the heart of Lübeck's old town.