St. Mary`s church (Prenzlau)

St. Mary’s Church, known locally as Marienkirche, is a stunning example of Brick Gothic architecture nestled in the heart of Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany. This majestic structure, with its rich history and intricate design, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of Northern Germany. As the main evangelical parish church of the city, it not only serves as a place of worship but also as a historical monument under protection, drawing visitors from near and far.

The Historical Journey of St. Mary’s Church

The origins of St. Mary’s Church trace back to an earlier structure built between 1235 and 1250. This predecessor was a three-aisled fieldstone hall church with a two-bay nave, a slightly wider transept, and a recessed straight choir. The surviving twin-towered westwork of this early church was integrated into the new Gothic structure that began construction in 1289.

From 1289 to 1340, the church was rebuilt as a three-aisled Gothic hall church in the distinctive Brick Gothic style, incorporating the westwork of the original fieldstone structure. The grand church spans 56 meters in length, 26 meters in width, and 22 meters in height, with the roof ridge soaring to 43 meters. The construction was completed in two phases, with the dividing line marked by the stair towers. Each aisle concludes with a relatively flat, apsidal east end.

The Architectural Marvels of St. Mary’s Church

One of the most striking features of St. Mary’s Church is its magnificent eastern show facade, considered unique in Brick Gothic architecture due to its complex design. The facade, inspired by the architectural plans of Cologne Cathedral, features a flat gable rising above the east end of the three aisles. The apses are minimally developed, with two polygonal sides in the side aisles and three in the main nave. The windows, oriented towards the polygonal apses inside, are ingeniously integrated into the flat show facade, resulting in angled window reveals.

The gable, equal in height to the vertical choir wall at 22 meters, is adorned with six buttresses ending in delicate pinnacles. The facade is further embellished with tracery and ornamental friezes crafted from red and black glazed bricks, creating a visually stunning effect.

The Towers and Their Stories

The twin towers of St. Mary’s Church, originally part of the westwork of the earlier structure, were extended with three additional brick stories in the 14th century. The north tower, standing at 68 meters, is capped with a saddle roof oriented east-west between two Renaissance gables. The south tower, slightly shorter at 64 meters, was completed in 1776 and shares a similar saddle roof design without the four-meter-high base. Both towers feature richly decorated upper stories with pointed arch niches and tall, pointed arch sound openings in the bell stories.

The westwork, despite incorporating older masonry from the predecessor building and the incomplete tower finishes, exudes a monumental presence comparable to the high and late Gothic parish churches in Wismar and Stralsund.

The Interior Splendor of St. Mary’s Church

Inside, the spacious and austere interior of St. Mary’s Church is supported by twelve elaborately designed cross-shaped pillars, with the four end pillars featuring robust three-quarter round services. The side walls are adorned with continuous base zones and pointed arch niches, with a gallery running above. The slender tracery windows, mostly four-part, were altered during restorations, with the tracery of the three eastern windows on the south side likely being original.

The high Gothic interior, with its fine profiling, holds a special place within Brick Gothic architecture due to its unique characteristics. The church also houses the tombstone of Adelheid von der Asseburg (†1588), whose memory was kept alive in the community through daily bell ringing until 1918.

Reconstruction and Revival

St. Mary’s Church suffered extensive damage during World War II, with the roof and vault collapsing in 1945. However, the enclosing walls and pillar arcades remained intact. Reconstruction efforts began in 1970, with the roof structure being reassembled in 1972 and covered with copper plates by 1974. The restoration of the tower facades and the interior continued into the late 20th century, with significant milestones including the completion of the north tower in 1982 and the roof of the south tower in 1984.

The final phase of the reconstruction, focusing on the vaults and the gallery, was completed in 2020, and the restored interior was reopened for services in 2021.

The Treasures Within

Among the treasures housed within St. Mary’s Church is the late Gothic high altar, created around 1512 by the Master of the Prenzlau High Altar in Lübeck. This masterpiece survived the destruction of the church by being walled in and was later displayed in the Prenzlau Monastery Church. After a theft in 1991, many of the stolen figures were recovered and restored, with the altar now featuring a reconstructed arrangement of figures and reliefs.

The church also boasts a new organ, installed in 1847, replacing an earlier instrument from 1567/68. This organ, with two manuals and approximately 20 registers, continues to fill the sacred space with its melodious tones.

St. Mary’s Church in Prenzlau is not just a place of worship; it is a living monument to the resilience and faith of the community. Its walls echo with centuries of history, and its architectural beauty continues to inspire awe and reverence. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to St. Mary’s Church promises a journey through time and a glimpse into the enduring legacy of this remarkable edifice.