Kirch Teich

Have you ever seen a church tower that leans? The Kirch Teich in Luneburg is not directly connected to a leaning tower but its story is interwoven with the legend of St Johannis Church. That magnificent church with its iconic 108-meter-high tower stands proudly in Luneburg. This tower however is famously crooked. It leans 2.20 meters to the west. Legend says the master builder responsible for this lean was mortified. He jumped from the steeple in shame. A hay cart luckily broke his fall. He survived. He declared this a sign from God. He celebrated with copious amounts of ale. He then fell off a bench. He died. The tower remains crooked a testament to this tale. St Johannis Church is not only known for its leaning tower. It’s one of Lower Saxony’s oldest churches. It was mentioned as early as 927 as a baptismal church. Its construction began in 1289. It was a model for many hall churches in northern Germany. It once boasted 39 altars. Young Johann Sebastian Bach learned to play the organ here. His uncle Georg Bohm was the church’s cantor and composer from 1698 to 1733. While the Kirch Teich might not share the same dramatic history as St Johannis Church it stands as a serene counterpart in Luneburg’s rich tapestry. The pond silently witnesses the city’s ebb and flow. It reflects the sunlight. It mirrors the sky. It offers a peaceful respite from the bustling streets. A tranquil space to contemplate Luneburg’s story. A place to absorb its beauty. A reflection of the town’s enduring spirit.