St. Peter's Church (Lübeck)

St. Peter's Church, known locally as Petrikirche, is a striking landmark in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This magnificent edifice, with its soaring spire and impressive brickwork, has been a central figure in the city’s history for centuries. Its story, marked by resilience and transformation, makes it a fascinating destination for visitors seeking to explore Lübeck's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

The History of St. Peter's Church

The origins of St. Peter's Church date back to 1170 when it was first mentioned alongside the Marienkirche. Initially built as a modest Romanesque structure, it underwent significant transformations over the centuries. Between 1227 and 1250, a three-aisled hall church with four bays and three apses was constructed. This early version was 29.80 meters long, with an additional 3 meters for the apses, and 21 meters wide.

By 1290, a Gothic-style choir was added, marking the beginning of the church's evolution into a more grandiose structure. The 15th century saw the completion of the church as it stands today – a Gothic, five-aisled hall church made of bricks with five bays. This unique architectural design makes St. Peter's one of the few existing five-aisled churches in the world. The church's eastern end features three apses, while the western end is dominated by a single tower built upon a broad base.

Resilience Through Adversity

St. Peter's Church has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, particularly during the Second World War. The church was severely damaged during an air raid on Palm Sunday in 1942, resulting in the destruction of its roof, tower helm, and rich interior furnishings. Among the lost treasures were an organ prospect by the renowned sculptor Tönnies Evers the Younger and a significant brass grave plate of councilor Johann Klingenberg. Despite these losses, the baroque baptismal font, donated by councilor Johann Philipp Lefèvre, survived the devastation.

In the aftermath of the war, the church was temporarily covered and used as a lapidarium by the Lübeck church building lodge, storing sculptural fragments salvaged from other war-damaged churches in Lübeck. It wasn't until 1987 that the church was fully restored externally. However, the interior was not reconstructed to its former glory, leaving visitors to marvel at the sheer architectural magnitude and the rare design of the floor plan.

A Hub for Culture and Art

Today, St. Peter's Church serves as a city church without a parish, primarily hosting cultural and religious events, as well as art exhibitions. Under the guidance of pastors Günter Harig (1988-2005) and Bernd Schwarze (since 1998), the church has developed a unique concept that blends church and culture, religion and science. This innovative approach has set a precedent for urban church work in the German-speaking world.

The church's versatile event program is overseen by a board of public figures and includes readings, lectures, podium discussions, fairs, and concerts. Additionally, theological and liturgical experiments are regularly conducted. Since 2000, the monthly night-time theme performance Petrivisionen has been a highlight, along with the solo verbo series, which critically examines religious questions. In 2017, an artistically designed Last Supper celebration titled Supper’s Ready was held on Maundy Thursday.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The interior of St. Peter's Church is a testament to modern artistic expression. A notable feature is the altar cross by Austrian artist Arnulf Rainer, created between 1980 and 1983. This piece, crafted from raw planks and adorned with a corpus from a devotional trade, is coated in thick layers of paint, inviting contemplation and reflection. Additionally, an illuminated neon cross by Hanna Jäger adds a contemporary touch to the space.

Another significant element is the church’s bell, cast in 1507 by Gerhard van Wou and Johannes Schonenborch. This bell, which survived the wartime destruction, is currently on loan to the church in Nusse. The church also boasts a new organ, installed in 1992 and financed through foundation grants. Built by the organ-building company Hinrich Otto Paschen (Kiel), it features 19 stops on two manuals and a pedal, with mechanical playing and stop actions.

A Citywide Church

Since 2004, St. Peter's Church has been the official university church of the University of Lübeck. It also collaborates with the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and the Lübeck Academy of Music. The church's tower, standing at 108 meters high, features an observation deck at 50 meters, accessible only by elevator. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lübeck's old town and the surrounding area, extending to the Bay of Lübeck.

In conclusion, St. Peter's Church is not just a historical monument but a vibrant cultural hub that continues to play a significant role in Lübeck's community. Its rich history, architectural splendor, and contemporary art installations make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful Hanseatic city.