Marienkirche, Greifswald

The Marienkirche, also known as St.-Marien-Kirche, is the oldest and one of the most captivating churches in the Hanseatic city of Greifswald, located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. This magnificent structure is a prime example of North German Brick Gothic architecture and stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

The History of Marienkirche

The origins of Marienkirche date back to 1249 when a church dedicated to St. Mary was first documented. This early structure was a precursor to the grand Gothic church that stands today. The church is dedicated to St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is also the patron saint of the nearby Eldena Abbey. The construction of the current building began around 1260, likely initiated by wealthy citizens of Greifswald, and was completed in 1380.

Throughout its history, Marienkirche has played a significant role in the religious and social life of Greifswald. During the Reformation, the church's library was expanded with collections from dissolved monastic libraries, although these were later integrated into the library of the Spiritual Ministry in the Nikolaikirche. The church suffered considerable damage during the Thirty Years' War, prompting significant reconstruction efforts, including the addition of a new tower with a tent roof.

In recent years, the preservation of Marienkirche has been supported by federal funding. Restoration efforts began in 2008, focusing on the tower and roof spindle, and continued with the stabilization of the cracked eastern gable in 2009.

Architectural Marvels of Marienkirche

Marienkirche is a three-nave hall church with a longitudinal nave extending over five bays and a chancel-less termination spanning three bays. The church features two tower-side halls, each two bays long, and a seven-bay vestibule added in the 15th century. This vestibule, located on the western side, serves as the main entrance to the church.

The entire structure is constructed from brick, a hallmark of North German Gothic architecture. The church is adorned with high buttresses that extend to the roof cornice, ending in a dripstone cornice. Numerous pointed arch windows with stained glass panes and white plastered tracery panels add to the building's aesthetic appeal.

The church's tower, originally conceived in the 13th century, was completed in the latter half of the 14th century with a pyramidal roof. Each side of the roof features a small dormer with a copper roof. The tower is relatively simple in design, with the exception of some decorative elements on the western gable.

Inside, the church boasts a cross-ribbed vault painted in subtle hues and otherwise whitewashed. The three naves are defined by two rows of red-plastered brick columns. The eastern wall, flanking the altar, features stucco blind arcades with tracery. Above the entrance to the main nave is an organ loft.

Exploring the Chapels

Marienkirche is home to several chapels, each with its unique history and architectural features. The Marienkapelle, located on the north side, is believed to be the oldest surviving sacred space in Greifswald, dating back to the late 13th century. After serving various purposes over the centuries, including as a lime house, it was restored and reopened as a place of contemplation in 2021. The original wall paintings, featuring figures, inscriptions, and Marian roses, were uncovered during the restoration.

The Annenkapelle, situated on the south side, was built around 1330-1340. It is first mentioned as the Annenkapelle in the will of Katharina Rubenow in 1492. The chapel's unique single-nave design and two polygonal apses are rare in northern Germany. The exterior style of the chapel mirrors that of the church's eastern gable, with nine buttresses adorned with white plastered panels. The chapel underwent significant restoration in recent years, including the reopening and renewal of its windows.

Inside the Annenkapelle, visitors can admire a wooden relief depicting the Holy Kinship, likely created in a Stralsund workshop in the early 16th century. This relief has been housed in Marienkirche since the end of World War II.

The Gedächtniskapelle, or Memorial Chapel, dedicated in 1958, honors the victims of war. Located in the middle of three chapels in the southern tower-side hall, it features a large crucifix dating back to around 1500 and medieval wall paintings depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Other Notable Features

The Marienkirche also features a small cross-ribbed portal hall on the ground floor of the tower, likely begun in the late 13th century. This hall is now concealed by a broad, seven-bay entrance hall added to the church's western front in the mid-15th century. The pointed arch portal is framed by vertically alternating glazed archivolts, and the walls are adorned with opulent brick and stucco tracery.

Marienkirche is not just a place of worship but a monument to the enduring spirit and history of Greifswald. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring this beautiful Hanseatic city.