St. Mary church

The St. Mary Church, locally known as Marienkirche, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich historical tapestry and architectural grandeur of Stendal, a charming town in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. This awe-inspiring edifice, with its towering spires and intricate brickwork, is a splendid example of Brick Gothic architecture and a must-visit for any traveler exploring the region.

The History of St. Mary Church

The origins of St. Mary Church date back to the 12th century when a Romanesque basilica first graced the site. Over time, this initial structure evolved, reflecting the changing architectural styles and the town's growing significance. By the late 14th century, the Westbau with its distinctive double-tower façade was added, and the towers were subsequently extended.

In 1420, the transformation of St. Mary Church into a late Gothic hall church began. This ambitious project included the construction of a southern portal porch, known as the Paradies. The original Romanesque basilica was eventually demolished, making way for the new, grander structure. By 1447, the church was vaulted, and it was consecrated on August 24 of that year. The Marienzeitenkapelle, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was added between 1470 and 1473, and the high altar was installed in 1471.

St. Mary Church played a crucial role during the Reformation. In 1538, Justus Jonas the Elder delivered the first Protestant sermon in the Margraviate of Brandenburg from its pulpit. The 16th century also saw the completion of the church's towers and the installation of an astronomical clock in 1580. Remarkably, during the Thirty Years' War, the Hieronymus Altar was taken, mistakenly believed to be the work of Albrecht Dürer. It was later identified as the creation of Dutch painter Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen and now resides in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Architectural Marvels

St. Mary Church is not only a place of worship but also a stunning architectural landmark. Located in the heart of Stendal, just east of the town hall and adjacent to the main shopping street, the church dominates the skyline with its two 82-meter-high towers. These towers, second only to those of St. Stephen's Church in Tangermünde within the Altmark region, are connected by a bridge with a small turret, adding to the church's distinctive silhouette.

The church is a three-nave hall church with side aisles that form a hall choir around the inner choir, creating a complex and impressive layout. The choir is separated from the nave by a rood screen, in front of which stands the laity altar. Numerous chapels adjoin the side aisles, each with its unique charm and historical significance.

Exquisite Interior

Inside, the high altar is a masterpiece of Flemish-Dutch craftsmanship, standing at an impressive eight meters tall. Created in 1470, it features intricate relief carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the childhood of Jesus. The altarpiece's central section showcases Mary surrounded by saints Catherine of Alexandria and Barbara, while the everyday side of the wings displays paintings of the Passion of Christ. The predella, or base, of the altar, is adorned with the legend of Saint Catherine.

The pulpit, another highlight, was moved to its current location in 1844. Its richly decorated basket, dating back to 1566, rests on balusters and features paintings by Andreas Blome from 1571. These paintings depict Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, the apostles Peter and Paul, and the evangelists Matthew and Mark, with the latter two set against backdrops of Stendal's cityscapes. The pulpit's five-sided soundboard is topped with a temple-like structure, adding to its grandeur.

The baptismal font, a Gothic bronze masterpiece, was crafted in Lübeck and installed in 1474. It now resides in the Marienzeitenkapelle, which serves as the church's baptismal chapel. The font is adorned with figures of Mary and other female saints, supported by anthropomorphic figures representing the four evangelists. The Latin inscription around the font translates to In the year of our Lord 1474. Go and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Astronomical Clock

One of the church's most fascinating features is its astronomical clock, a type commonly found in Hanseatic cities. Located below the organ loft, the clock's three-by-three-meter dial displays a 24-hour day, with a large hand making a full rotation every two hours. Models of the sun and moon indicate their positions, while a star disc shows the moon's phases. The clock, weighing 100 kilograms, operates with a 65-kilogram weight and a rope pulley, requiring winding every five days. It was meticulously restored in the 1970s by Stendal goldsmith Oskar Roever and has been operational since May 14, 1977.

The Scherer Organ and Bells

The church's organ, perched on a loft at the west end, is another marvel. Built by Hans Scherer the Elder in 1580, it originally featured 29 registers on two manuals and a pedal. Today, it boasts approximately 2,600 pipes and 38 sounding stops across three manuals, with mechanical action and electric registration. Efforts to restore the organ to its former glory have been ongoing for several years.

St. Mary Church's twelve bells, including the notable Marienglocke and Faule Anna, cast by the renowned medieval bell founder Gerdt van Wou, form an integral part of its identity. The bells ring out on special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and the church's consecration anniversary on August 24. The bells have been carefully restored and expanded with the help of the dedicated bell association.

A Living Church

Today, St. Mary Church is the parish church of the Stendal Evangelical City Parish, formed in 2000 from the merger of several local parishes. In addition to regular worship services, the church hosts organ concerts, other musical performances, and occasional theater productions, making it a vibrant cultural hub within the community.

In conclusion, St. Mary Church in Stendal is not just a historical monument but a living testament to the town's rich heritage and enduring spirit. Its architectural beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant community life make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque corner of Germany.