Market Church

In the heart of Hanover, Northern Germany, stands the magnificent Market Church, known locally as Marktkirche. This remarkable structure, with its towering spire reaching 97 meters into the sky, is not only a dominant feature of the Hanover skyline but also a beacon of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The History of Market Church

The origins of the Market Church trace back to a Romanesque predecessor built around 1125. This earlier church was first mentioned in historical records in 1238 under the name St. Georgii. Excavations in 1952 revealed the foundations of this ancient structure, giving us a glimpse into Hanover’s medieval past.

By 1340, the first stained glass windows were completed, and by 1342, the church was referred to as ecclesia Sanctorum Jacobi et Georgii. The church is dedicated to two saints: St. James, the patron saint of pilgrims and merchants, and St. George, known as the dragon-slayer and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. These saints symbolize the church’s historical significance as a spiritual and communal hub.

Construction of the current Gothic hall church began in earnest in 1347, with the foundation of the tower laid in 1349. However, the building process faced interruptions due to financial constraints and pestilence, leading to modifications in the original design. The church was consecrated around 1360, and despite the challenges, it has stood the test of time, embodying resilience and faith.

The Market Church endured significant damage during World War II, with bombings in 1943 leaving it in ruins. The subsequent restoration from 1946 to 1952, led by architect Dieter Oesterlen, carefully preserved the historical essence while incorporating modern elements. The interior now showcases exposed brickwork, a testament to the church’s enduring strength and beauty.

Architectural Marvel

The Market Church is a stunning example of North German Brick Gothic architecture, characterized by its use of red brick and sandstone accents. The church measures 61.5 meters in length and 26.6 meters in width, with the nave and aisles forming a harmonious three-aisled hall. The main choir ends in a 7/10 polygon, while the side apses close in a 5/10 polygon, reflecting the influence of the Wiesenkirche in Soest.

The imposing west tower, a hallmark of Westphalian architectural tradition, stands as a symbol of the church’s historical and cultural significance. The tower’s height, including the weathercock, reaches an impressive 98 meters, making it a prominent landmark in Hanover.

The High Altar

One of the church’s most treasured features is the high altar, originally a double-winged altarpiece created around 1480. This masterpiece, adorned with 21 intricately carved scenes from the Passion of Christ, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. The altar was relocated during the 17th century and found its way back to the Market Church in 1952 after surviving the ravages of war.

The medallions at the base of the altar panels depict prophets, with one particularly intriguing figure – the patriarch Jacob wearing glasses – a rare and curious detail that adds to the altar’s historical charm.

Other Treasures

The Market Church houses several other remarkable artifacts, including two brass baptismal fonts from the early 16th century. These ornate fonts, supported by lion figures, are situated in the side choirs and add to the church’s rich liturgical heritage.

The church’s stained glass windows are another highlight, especially the eastern windows of the main choir. The central window features 20 panels from the 14th century, depicting martyrdom scenes that rank among the finest in Northern Germany. These windows, along with others created by the Linnemann atelier, offer a kaleidoscope of colors and stories from the past.

The Bödekersaal

During the post-war reconstruction, the Bödekersaal was established in the church’s basement, named after Pastor Hermann Wilhelm Bödeker. This hall serves as a community space and houses historical remnants, including a memorial plaque from the Thirty Years' War, commemorating citizens who perished in the conflict.

The Organ

The Market Church has a rich musical tradition, with the first organ mentioned in records from 1403. The current grand organ, located at the rear of the southern aisle, was constructed between 1953 and 1954 by Emil Hammer and Rudolf von Beckerath. This instrument, with its distinctive mid-century design by Dieter Oesterlen, is protected as a historical monument. Despite facing technical challenges over the years, the organ was meticulously restored between 2007 and 2009, retaining much of its original pipework.

Visiting the Market Church is a journey through time, where the echoes of history resonate within its walls. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, the Market Church in Hanover offers a profound and enriching experience.