High above Lubeck’s rooftops St Marien’s twin spires pierce the sky. They stand as silent witnesses to eight centuries of Lubeck’s history. This isn’t just any church. St Marien is Lubeck’s main parish church. It’s a symbol of the city’s power and independence.
Originally a simple wooden structure around 1160 St Marien reflects Lubeck’s growth. It became a Romanesque basilica in the early 13th century. Lubeck’s citizens were ambitious. They weren’t content with a small church. They wanted something grand.
So in 1251 they began rebuilding St Marien. This time in the breathtaking style of Gothic cathedrals. They modelled it on the great French cathedrals of Reims and Soissons. It wasn’t easy. Northern Germany lacked the large stone quarries of France. The Lubeck master builders had to be inventive. They used small bricks. They fired these bricks from local clay. The result is magnificent. The vaults span the central nave reaching an impressive 38.5 meters high. The towers rise to a staggering 125 meters. St Marien boasts the tallest brick vault in the world.
The Reformation reached Lubeck later than other parts of Germany. A singing war erupted. Catholic masses were interrupted by the loud singing of Protestant psalms. The council eventually sided with the reformers. In 1530 the Reformation triumphed. St Marien remained largely intact. Many images and statues were removed but the church kept its name.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw St Marien embellished with Baroque features. Splendid epitaphs of leading Lubeck citizens adorned the pillars. This earned St Marien the nickname Hall of Fame of the Lubeck Patriciate.
Then came the devastation of World War II. On Palm Sunday 1942 British bombers attacked Lubeck. St Marien suffered catastrophic damage. Parts of the vaults collapsed. The roofs of the towers were destroyed. The old organs were burnt. The medieval inventory was almost entirely lost.
The post-war reconstruction was a challenge. A fire revealed the church’s original medieval colours. Restorers and conservationists clashed. Forgeries were discovered. The infamous Lothar Malskat painted fictitious figures. His actions became a media sensation. The forgeries were later removed.
The reconstruction was finally completed in 1959. The spires were restored covered in copper. In 1980 a ridge turret was added. St Marien stands again a testament to Lubeck’s resilience. Its grandeur endures a legacy of faith ambition and survival. Step inside. Explore this remarkable church. Experience the history it holds within its walls.