Is this the oldest Catholic church in the entire Archdiocese of Berlin? You might be surprised to learn that here, before you, stands St. Nikolai. It claims that unique title. St. Nikolai’s story begins all the way back in the 12th century, around the 1170s. It was originally built to serve the merchant settlement of Luckenberg.
The church you see before you isn’t quite how the original builders left it. St. Nikolai has witnessed centuries of change, even periods of severe neglect. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it fell into disrepair, becoming a hideout for unsavory characters. Imagine, a supposed holy place used by robber barons! One such rogue was Johann von Quitzow, who used its crumbling walls to conceal his men before an attack on Brandenburg’s Altstadt in 1403.
St. Nikolai has served various purposes throughout its existence: a chapel for a nearby hospital, a place of worship for French Huguenots seeking refuge, and even a cemetery chapel. Sadly, it was significantly damaged during World War II. After its restoration, it was gifted to the Catholic Holy Trinity parish in 1992.
Today, St. Nikolai serves not only as a place of worship but also as a solemn reminder of the past. Inside, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to the victims of Nazi persecution, particularly those imprisoned in the Brandenburg-Görden penitentiary. Look for the poignant Pietà sculpted by Werner Nickel – a moving tribute carved from a single tree root. St. Nikolai stands as a testament to Brandenburg’s resilient spirit and a place where history and hope intertwine.