MARIENKIRCHE (CHURCH OF ST. MARY)
The Marienkirche in Lübeck is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a landmark church on the Baltic.
A beautiful red brick Gothic church, typical of Baltic architecture, it is a masterpiece of its kind, so that it served as a model for other churches in Hanseatic cities. Its construction began at the end of the 12th century and lasted for about 100 years; the destruction during the Allied bombing in 1942 lasted only a few minutes. It was painstakingly rebuilt in the post-war period to regain its former glory. The two 14th century towers are 125 m high and offer a nice climb for the most courageous. The reward is great because you can enjoy a remarkable view of the city. The astronomical clock and the carillon with 36 bells are also very famous. The different parts of the church contain many artistic treasures, many of which, unfortunately, were burned in the great fire of 1942. The stained glass windows, completely destroyed during the bombings, were replaced in the 1960s. Of particular note:
The gilded woodenAntwerp altarpiece is a true masterpiece dating from 1518. It depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
The bronze baptismal font by Hans Apengeter, dating from 1337. It can contain 406 liters.
The Virgin and Child of Darsow. This sculpture dates from 1420 and survived the fire of 1942 but was extremely damaged; it was restored in 1989 thanks to the recovery of hundreds of stone chips.