Beneath the towering spire of Marcus Church lies a story of faith. This Lutheran church stands as a testament to Hanover’s rich religious history. But it is the Marktkirche or Market Church that truly captures the imagination.
The Market Church is also known as the Church on the Market. This striking 14th-century brick structure is Hannover’s main Lutheran church. Its scale and ancient symbolism have provoked much discussion.
Most remarked upon is the giant pentagram on the church’s western tower. If that weren’t enough a hexagram surrounds the tower’s clock. These symbols have a long and fluid history in Germany. Teutonic pagans first used them. Christians later adopted them as their own symbols when the Market Church was built. The pentagram in particular symbolized the epiphany.
Built in the 14th century the Market Church was first known as the church of Saints James and George. This dedication honored Saint James the Elder and Saint George. It replaced a smaller older church dating back to 1125. That earlier church was called St. Georgii after Saint George. Hanover grew around the Market Church and the market place. The market place was established around the same time.
Today the official name of the church is Market Church of Saints George and James. It and the nearby Old Town Hall exemplify the northern German brick gothic architectural style. This style is also known as norddeutsche Backsteingotik.
The Market Church is a hall church. It features a monumental saddleback roof. The roof rises above the nave and two aisles. The roof and vaults of the naves were restored in 1952. They had been destroyed in an air raid in 1943 during World War II. The church’s tower is on its western side. It symbolized the power and wealth of the town’s citizens. It remains a landmark of Hanover.
The Market Church’s main altar was carved of linden wood around 1480. Its front depicts the Passion of Christ in 21 scenes. These scenes follow models by Martin Schongauer. Its back shows scenes from the lives of the two patron saints. They are Saint George and Saint James.
In 1663 the altar was moved to the Aegidienkirche. This made room for a Baroque altar. In 1856 the altar was taken to the Welfenmuseum. This saved it from destruction during World War II. The Aegidienkirche was bombed. The altar returned to the Market Church in 1952.
The Market Church has 11 bells. The Bell of Christ and Peace is the biggest in Lower Saxony. It is used only on special occasions. An organ was installed in the tower room in 1893. It included parts of an instrument from the 17th century. This organ was destroyed in World War II.
Today’s main organ is on the back wall of the southern aisle. The first instrument there was built in 1953 and 1954. It was built by the organ builders Emil Hammer Orgelbau and Rudolf von Beckerath. It had 61 stops four manuals and pedal. Dieter Oesterlen designed the casing. It is a protected monument. From 2007 to 2009 Orgelbau Goll rebuilt the instrument in Lucerne. The casing and about half of the pipes were kept. The new organ has 64 stops.
Take a moment to appreciate the Market Church’s imposing presence. Its design is simple yet fascinating. The organ is truly beautiful. If you have the chance try to be here when the organ plays. It’s fantastic.
So the next time you find yourself in Hanover stand before the Market Church. Remember its history its symbolism and its enduring spirit. It is a place of worship a cultural landmark and a testament to the resilience of this remarkable city.