Marienkirche, Waren

Marienkirche in Waren (Müritz), often referred to as the “Niege Kerk,” is a magnificent testament to the rich historical tapestry of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany. This evangelical parish church, situated in the eastern part of the historic town center of Waren (Müritz), is not just a place of worship but a beacon of architectural and cultural heritage.

The Historical Evolution of Marienkirche

The origins of Marienkirche trace back to the remnants of a castle chapel belonging to Prince Nikolaus I, dating to a period before 1225. This chapel was part of the now non-existent Waren Castle, strategically located at the highest point of the town. The rectangular fieldstone choir and the sacristy, constructed in the Romanesque style at the beginning of the 13th century, are the oldest surviving structures in the town, preserving the early medieval essence.

As the town of Waren expanded in the early 14th century, the chapel was transformed to meet the needs of a growing population. A Gothic three-aisled nave was added to the existing choir, enhancing the church's capacity and architectural grandeur. However, the church faced a significant setback during the Thirty Years' War in 1637 when a massive fire caused the ceiling to collapse, leaving the building in ruins for over a century.

In 1739, a new roof was installed, marking the beginning of a comprehensive reconstruction phase from 1790 to 1792 under the guidance of court architect Johann Joachim Busch. The reconstruction saw the transformation of the three-aisled hall church into a single-nave hall church by removing the vault pillars. Despite these internal changes, the church's exterior retained its Gothic charm, and the Romanesque windows of the sacristy remained untouched. The church was re-consecrated on August 26, 1792.

The Tower and Its Significance

In 1799, a steep tower hood with a lantern in the late Baroque style was added to the remnants of the medieval tower. This addition included triangular gables on the west and east sides, topped with an octagonal shaft and a slender, dome-like helmet. At the pinnacle of the tower, a small lantern with a domed hood is crowned by a weather vane in the shape of a swan. The tower, standing at 54 meters high, includes an observation platform at a height of 45 meters, accessible via a 176-step staircase, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the church served a rather unusual purpose as a storage space for straw and hay. It wasn't until after the wars that further renovations took place, including the addition of a baptismal font in 1817 and an organ in 1819. The interior saw a neo-Gothic redesign in 1884, and the tower was modified between 1894 and 1898 to accommodate a belfry and bells, thanks to a donation from Duke Friedrich Franz II. The new bells were consecrated on July 6, 1901.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The interior of Marienkirche is predominantly white and decorated in a classical style. The nave features galleries on three sides, and the wooden ceiling is designed as a mirror vault. The altar, originally conceived as a pulpit altar, and the pulpit itself date back to 1792. The church also houses two prayer chairs with classical ornaments on the south and north walls of the choir, one adorned with an image of Marienkirche for the pastor's family and the other with the town's coat of arms for the town magistrate.

A notable feature is the crucifixion group, a Tyrolean wood carving by Ferdinand Demetz from St. Ulrich in Gröden, made from larch wood. This artwork depicts the crucified Christ, flanked by his standing mother Mary and the Apostle John, with Mary Magdalene kneeling in prayer at the foot of the cross. The baptismal bowl, crafted from pewter with a wrought-iron stand, was created by August Nies from Waren in 1817.

Another significant piece is a painting from around 1530, depicting the deposition of Christ, created by an unknown Italian artist. This painting was found in a severely damaged state in the church of Federow and was restored by the sexton Schütt before being placed in Marienkirche in 1975.

The Organ and the Triumph Arch Mural

The organ, built by Johann Jochen Michel Schmidt from Malchin between 1818 and 1820, features 912 pipes across 15 registers and was restored in 1995. The triumphal arch mural, depicting the Ascension of Christ, was painted by Fritz Greve in 1913. Initially covered over in 1963 due to theological concerns, the mural was rediscovered and partially restored, with the inscription Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) visible since 2000. The complete mural has been fully visible since 2013.

Marienkirche in Waren (Müritz) is more than just a church; it is a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, resilience, and devotion, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.