St. Michael's Church
Hamburg
St. Michael's Church, colloquially called Michel, is one of Hamburg's five main Lutheran churches and a landmark of the city. Built in Baroque style, it is considered one of the finest Protestant churches in northern Germany. The current building is the third on the site, constructed between 1751 and 1786 after the original was destroyed by lightning in 1750. The church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, represented by a large bronze statue above the main portal showing him conquering the devil. Its 132-meter-high copper-covered spire dominates Hamburg's skyline and historically served as a navigation landmark for ships on the Elbe River. The church seats 2,500 people and features a Latin cross floor plan. Notable architectural elements include the largest clock faces in Germany, an observation platform at 106 meters offering panoramic views, and five organs including a large Steinmeyer organ. The pulpit, crafted in marble by Otto Lessing in 1910, resembles a rounded chalice and is topped by the Angel of Annunciation. The marble altar, also from 1910, is 20 meters tall and depicts key scenes from Jesus's life, crowned by a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. St. Michael's Church has been rebuilt twice in the 20th century after fire and war damage, with ongoing renovations since 1983. It remains a vibrant place of worship and cultural events, deeply embedded in Hamburg's history and identity.
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Astuce: The best time to visit St. Michael's Church is during clear weather to enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck at 106 meters. Visitors are advised to purchase tower and crypt tickets in advance online to avoid queues. The church offers guided tours and hosts regular concerts, including performances of works by Johann Sebastian Bach. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors. The church is open daily with varying hours; check the official website for current schedules. Arriving early or late in the day can provide a quieter experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The church's 132-meter tower features the largest clock faces in Germany, with minute hands measuring 4.91 meters and hour hands 3.65 meters.
- •Johannes Brahms was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael's Church.
- •Astronomer Johann Benzenberg used the church tower in 1802 to attempt to prove Earth's rotation, predating Foucault's pendulum experiment by nearly 50 years.
- •The church's pulpit, crafted by Otto Lessing in 1910, is designed to resemble a rounded chalice and is topped with the Angel of Annunciation.
- •The altar, 20 meters tall and made of marble, depicts the Resurrection, the Last Supper, and is crowned with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Histoire
The first St.
Michael's Church was built from 1647 to 1669 to serve Hamburg's new town (Neustadt).
It became the city's fifth main church in 1687 but was destroyed by lightning in 1750.
The second church was constructed from 1751 and completed in 1786 with the tower designed by Johann Leonhard Prey and Ernst Georg Sonnin.
Notably, in 1802, astronomer Johann Benzenberg conducted experiments in the tower to demonstrate Earth's rotation.
The church was damaged by fire in 1906 and rebuilt using historical photos.
It suffered heavy damage during World War II and was reconstructed between 1947 and 1952.
Since 1983, restoration efforts have focused on the spire and roof to preserve its Baroque grandeur.
Guide du lieu
The Tower and Observation Deck1751-1786
The 132-meter-high copper-covered tower is Hamburg's skyline landmark. Visitors can ascend to the 106-meter observation platform for panoramic views over the city and harbour.
The Pulpit1910
Crafted from marble by sculptor Otto Lessing in 1910, the pulpit is centrally located and designed to resemble a rounded chalice. It features a grand staircase and is topped by the Angel of Annunciation.
The Altar1910
A 20-meter-tall marble altar built in 1910, illustrating key scenes from the life of Jesus Christ including the Resurrection and the Last Supper. The altar crown depicts a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit, flanked by two kneeling angels.
The OrgansVarious, latest in 2008
St. Michael's houses five organs, including a large Steinmeyer organ with 85 registers and 6,674 pipes, and a crypt organ named after Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy installed in 2008.
Contact
Téléphone: 040 376780