St. Nicholas' Church, Kiel
Schleswig-Holstein
St. Nicholas' Church, located at the Alter Markt in Kiel, is the oldest building in the city and serves as a prominent Protestant parish church. Originally constructed shortly after Kiel's foundation around 1242, the church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers and merchants. Over the centuries, it underwent significant architectural transformations, including a Gothic hall church expansion in the 14th century and a Gothic Revival remodeling in the late 19th century. The church was heavily damaged during World War II bombings in 1944, leading to a complete rebuild with modern materials and a simplified interior completed in 1986. Inside, it houses remarkable medieval artworks such as a bronze baptismal font from 1344, the Altarpiece of the Patriarchs from 1460, a triumphal cross dating to 1490, and a Baroque pulpit crafted in 1705. Additionally, the church features a notable bronze sculpture by Ernst Barlach, 'The Fighter of the Spirit,' symbolizing the triumph of spirit over evil. The main organ, built in 1965 and restored in 1998, adds to the church's cultural significance. St. Nicholas' Church remains a vital historical and architectural landmark in Kiel, blending medieval heritage with modern restoration.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and to check the church's official website for opening hours and special events. Advance inquiries for guided tours can enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors. The church's location at the Alter Markt makes it accessible by public transport, and nearby parking is limited.
Datos interesantes
- •The bronze baptismal font from 1344 is considered one of the finest medieval bronzes in northern Germany.
- •The large bronze sculpture 'The Fighter of the Spirit' by Ernst Barlach was removed by the Nazi regime as degenerate art and hidden during World War II before being reinstated in 1954.
- •The church houses the oldest Coventry Cross of Nails (Nagelkreuz) in Germany, dating from 1947.
- •The main organ, built in 1965, contains over 3,200 pipes and was extensively restored in 1998 to address issues from electrification and material aging.
Historia
Construction of St.
Nicholas' Church began around 1242, shortly after Kiel's founding by Adolf IV of Schauenburg and Holstein.
Initially a Gothic hall church, it was expanded in the 14th century with a long choir and three naves, inspired by St.
Petri in Lübeck.
The church embraced the Reformation in 1526 under Marquard Schuldorp.
Between 1877 and 1884, it underwent a Gothic Revival renovation, adding a new facade and altering the roofline.
The church suffered severe damage during a bombing raid on May 22, 1944, leading to its demolition due to structural instability.
Reconstruction began in 1950 under Gerhard Langmaack, who introduced modern architectural elements, and the interior was completed by Peter Kahlcke in 1986 with a restrained style faithful to the original concept.
Guía del lugar
Bronze Baptismal Font1344
Created in 1344 by Hans Apengeter, this bronze font is the oldest artwork in the church and exemplifies medieval craftsmanship in northern Germany.
Altarpiece of the Patriarchs (Erzväteraltar)c.1460
Dating to around 1460, this winged altarpiece features 16 panels with 20 carved reliefs depicting the lives of the patriarchs. Originally from the Liel Abbey, it was relocated to St. Nikolai after the Reformation.
Triumphal Cross1490
A large wooden cross dating from 1490, symbolizing Christ's victory and an important element of the church's medieval interior.
Baroque Pulpit1705
Carved in wood by Theodor Allers in 1705, this pulpit was donated by Henning von Wedderkop as a replacement for an earlier 1522 pulpit.
The Fighter of the Spirit Sculpture1928
A bronze sculpture by Ernst Barlach created in 1928, depicting an angel with a sword overcoming a wolf-like creature, symbolizing spiritual triumph over evil. Removed by the Nazis as degenerate art, it was hidden during the war and reinstated in 1954.
Main Organ1965
Built in 1965 by Detlef Kleuker, the organ features three manuals, a pedalboard, 45 stops, and over 3,200 pipes. It was restored in 1998 to address issues from electrification and synthetic materials.
Contacto
Teléfono: 0431 95098
