St. Martin

St. Martin's Church in Nienburg/Weser, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a gem of Gothic brick architecture that has stood the test of time. This majestic edifice, with its striking spire and intricate design, beckons visitors to explore its rich history, architectural splendor, and spiritual significance.

The History of St. Martin's Church

The origins of St. Martin's Church trace back to the late 13th century, making it a landmark of historical importance. However, the roots of the current structure delve even deeper into the past. Within the hall choir of the existing church, remnants of a cross-shaped basilica from the first half of the 13th century can still be found. The present-day three-aisled hall church, constructed from brick and partially from Porta sandstone, was consecrated in 1441. The church's square west tower, a prominent feature, was also part of this construction phase.

Throughout its history, St. Martin's Church has undergone several modifications and restorations. In the 18th century, the buttresses at the choir were reinforced, with the northeastern buttress dated to 1718. A significant restoration took place in 1830/31 under the guidance of Emanuel Bruno Quaet-Faslem. In 1896, the upper parts of the tower were rebuilt with brick and topped with an octagonal copper-covered helmet, adding to the church's grandeur.

Architectural Marvels

The exterior of St. Martin's Church is a testament to Gothic architecture. The nave is adorned with three-part, renewed tracery windows set between stepped buttresses. High gables, some spanning two bays, crown the structure, decorated with layered, recessed niches reminiscent of the choir gables of St. Stephen's Church in Bremen. The choir, built partly in sandstone and partly in brick, lacks these gables but compensates with its own unique charm.

The west tower, with its flamboyant tracery windows and a renewed portal, stands as a beacon of architectural beauty. Inside, the compact nave comprises three slightly transverse rectangular bays and three aisles. To the east, a single-bay hall choir with a polygonal closure encompassing all aisles extends the church's interior. The side aisles, narrowed to half the width of the central nave, continue in two triangular fields of three-beam vaults.

The cross-ribbed vaults in the nave rest on round pillars, similar to those in St. Mauritius in Minden, while the choir's vaults are supported by cruciform pillars with rectangular pilaster strips and partly figurative consoles on the walls. The irregular pillars and semicircular belt and dividing arches of the western choir bay retain the articulation system of the crossing from the 13th century. In contrast, the eastern choir bay's pilaster strips and dividing arches were likely aligned during the 1830/31 restoration. The interior walls of the choir feature superimposed pointed arch arcades at the base, adding to the church's intricate design.

On the south side, the sacristy, added in the 19th century, blends seamlessly with the church's overall aesthetic. The northwest nave bay's vault and the northeast bay's east wall preserve late Gothic wall paintings, restored in 1964, offering a glimpse into the church's artistic heritage.

Interior Treasures

St. Martin's Church is home to a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. The altar proudly displays twelve expressive small sandstone figures of apostles from around 1515/20. These figures, each with unique facial features and varied postures and sizes, are attributed to the so-called Snetlage Master from the workshop of the Master of Osnabrück. Removed from the church in 1830, they were reacquired from the art trade in 1987, returning to their rightful place of reverence.

A Romanesque-style baptismal font, dating to 1869, adds to the church's historical charm. The church also houses several valuable epitaphs and tombs, particularly from the 16th century. A mannerist wooden epitaph for the military leader Hilmar von Münchhausen († 1573) and his wife († 1583), created in 1574, is richly adorned with coats of arms, grotesques, and strapwork ornamentation. The epitaph features an aedicula frame with Corinthian columns on pedestals, flanked by small columns, and a crowning triangular gable with a bust of God the Father. The predella depicts the kneeling family in prayer, while the main field shows a painted presentation of Christ in the temple.

In the tower hall, a high-relief tombstone for Count Otto VIII of Hoya († 1582) and his wife Agnes is housed. The choir contains a corresponding two-story epitaph, crafted in Bremen, with figures of the deceased before a resurrection relief in a mannerist architectural frame. A baroque epitaph for Johann Georg Steigerthal († 1740), made of various colored marble with a broken gable and two female companion figures, is attached to a central nave pillar.

The Organ

St. Martin's Church has a long-standing tradition of organ music. Records indicate the presence of an organ before 1648, with a contract from that year detailing the addition of a Rückpositiv to the existing organ. Over the years, the instrument underwent several expansions. In 1885, it was replaced by a new organ from the Euler company (Gottsbüren), featuring 30 registers on two manuals and pedal. In 1963, Orgelbau Hammer (Hanover) built a new instrument with 35 registers on three manuals and pedal. The current organ, built in 1997 by Thomas Jann Orgelbau, boasts 38 registers on three manuals and pedal, continuing the church's rich musical heritage.

St. Martin's Church in Nienburg/Weser is not just a place of worship; it is a repository of history, art, and culture. Its architectural splendor, historical significance, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. As you step into this sacred space, you are transported through centuries of history, marveling at the craftsmanship and devotion that have shaped this magnificent church.