Nestled near Demianiplatz stands the Church of Our Lady. It is a testament to Görlitz’s rich history. This church has witnessed centuries of change. It has been a spiritual anchor for the community.
Originally, the Church of Our Lady stood outside the city walls. Today, it graces the heart of Görlitz. It significantly shapes the cityscape. Once a small chapel, it evolved into a late Gothic structure in the 15th century.
Imagine the Görlitz citizens of the 1400s. They saw the Church of Our Lady rise from the ruins of a war-torn chapel. The Hussites destroyed the original chapel. It was probably a place of atonement. Construction began in 1449. The completed Church of Our Lady was consecrated in 1473. This spacious hall church reflected the economic prosperity of Görlitz.
Inside the Church of Our Lady, ornate tracery catches the eye. Delicate reticulated ribbed vaults give the nave a graceful appearance. Look up to see the keystones. They depict the Seven Joys of Mary. The interior design reflects neo-Gothic ideas. This is due to an 1869 reconstruction. It romanticizes the Wilhelminian period.
The Church of Our Lady once had a protective wall. It included towers that recalled the Hussite era. This wall symbolized the donors’ desire to remain close to their saints. The cemetery was leveled around 1840. Large department stores were constructed during the Wilhelminian period. These buildings now surround the Church of Our Lady.
In October 1989, the Church of Our Lady opened its doors. It was the first church in Görlitz to host peace prayers. This occurred during the Peaceful Revolution.
The Church of Our Lady has three steel bells. They replaced the original bronze bells. The bells were melted down during World War I. Each bell carries a psalm. The largest bell reads “Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord”. The middle bell says “Yet I am always with you”. The smallest bell proclaims “Rejoice in the Lord always”. Since 1930, an electric bell system has swung these bells.
The Church of Our Lady features both simple and elegant designs. The nave has three aisles. The choir has one aisle. High tracery windows adorn the church. Net-ribbed vaults feature decorated keystones. These keystones depict the Seven Joys of Mary. They also display symbols of the four evangelists. Four female saints are also pictured. These elements showcase significant Gothic stonework.
The side walls are made of broken stone. The western tower uses stone blocks. The buttresses are adorned with wimpergs and crosses. These are made of hewn stone. The pointed arch windows each have unique tracery. The west portal shows the skill of stonemasons. A pair of dogs are carved into the spandrel above the doors. These carvings reveal the humor of the stonemasons. Sculptures of Mary and Archangel Gabriel decorate the portal. Mary kneels at a prayer desk. Gabriel announces her divine motherhood.
Extensive renovations occurred between 1996 and 2013. These were funded by the Altstadtstiftung Görlitz. The renovations included renewing the sacristy windows. The roof space and interior of the nave were also restored.
The organ is located on the west side of the central nave. Orgelbau A. Schuster & Sohn built it in 1977. Fritz Leweke designed the prospectus. The organ has 34 stops and 2300 pipes. Tischlermeister Püschner from Görlitz created the organ prospectus.
The Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to faith. It embodies architectural beauty. It has been a place of peace. It continues to inspire all who visit Görlitz.