St. Gotthardt

Did the spirit of Loriot ever grace these very stones? Here we stand before St. Gotthardt, a church intertwined with the life of the beloved German comedian. Vicco von Bülow, known as Loriot, was baptized within these walls. He even championed a fundraising campaign to restore the north chapel, his very own baptismal chapel. St. Gotthardt is more than just a church. It’s a cornerstone of Brandenburg an der Havel, sharing the stage with St. Katharinen and Brandenburg Cathedral as one of the city’s three main churches. The church’s history stretches back to before 1147, a time when a Premonstratensian monastery stood here. The original structure is lost to time. But the sturdy west tower, built from granite blocks in the latter half of the 12th century, still stands tall. It whispers tales of an era when two towers were planned. Look closely at the Romanesque stepped portal. It too is a survivor of this bygone age. A large oculus stares out from the tower. Its exact age remains a mystery. Perhaps it was part of the original design, or maybe a later addition. St. Gotthardt’s tower, along with parts of St. Peter’s Church and St. Nicholas’ Church, are among the oldest structures in Brandenburg an der Havel. In 1456, the church underwent a transformation. The old granite nave gave way to a grand three-aisled Gothic hall church, thanks to master builder Heinrich Reinstorp. A baptismal chapel was added in 1472. The “new” St. Gotthardt was consecrated in 1475. The church has faced trials. A fire in 1972 ravaged the interior and destroyed the Sauer organ. Yet, from the ashes came renewal. The interior was renovated, and a new Schuke organ now fills the space with music. Inside, you’ll find treasures like a 13th-century bronze baptismal font and the Trebaw Epitaph, a captivating view of the old town. Remember Loriot’s connection to this place. His spirit resonates within these walls, a testament to the enduring power of history, humor, and community at St. Gotthardt.