The our half-day city stroll through Stralsund's old townto the UNESCO world heritage counts, so we decided to visit the three churches in the city Mecklenburg-Vorpommern focused that belong to it. We wanted to see what is so special about these churches that they were included in this illustrious list of places worth protecting. We were particularly overwhelmed by the St. Nikolai Church in Stralsund, right on the Alter Markt. The very first sight of the west portal through an entrance from the town hall indicated that this church is extraordinary. With its magnificent ornamentation made of floral elements, the portal lures us to visit the interior of the church.
UNESCO World Heritage: the St. Nikolai Church Stralsund
The entrance to St. Nikolai Church Stralsund is in the eastern corner of the Alter Markt and is somewhat hidden. After we have paid our small fee, which the church charges for the visit, we enter the interior - and stop overwhelmed. Until then I had never seen a church whose colors are as breathtaking as those of St. Nikolai Church in Stralsund. A firework display of blue, red, green and gold turns this church into a total work of art. Since 1980 the church has been restored according to medieval specifications. I wonder how it must have affected the people of that time. The construction of the church began in 1234 Stralsund received its city rights, and from 1270 it could be used for fairs. This makes St. Nikolai the oldest of the three churches in Stralsund.
Council clerk for Stralsund citizens
At that time, the church was not just a place of worship. Here could Stralsunder citizens. who could neither read nor write, let their correspondence be done by the clerk, who had his own place in a niche. Even markets were held in the church. From the Middle Ages, a decree has been handed down that forbids the merchants of the city to drive their cattle through the St. Nikolai Church in Stralsund during the Mass. The images and sculptures in the church are so expressive because they brought the Christian saints and the stories of the Bible closer to people who were ignorant of reading.
Our tour through the St. Nikolai Church Stralsund shows us more works of art from the long church history, which we show you in this photo sequence. There are different altars from different epochs in the St. Nikolai Church in Stralsund. Perhaps the photos also entice you to visit this masterpiece of church architecture from the Middle Ages to the modern age.
Details that you can't get enough of
We especially liked the many details in the St. Nikolai church, which keep the eye on something new. Interesting is the Astronomical Clock, which is located on the back wall of the high altar. In the 14. In the 19th century, such clocks were installed in the churches of various Hanseatic cities. It shows not only the day and night, but also the position of the stars. One of the most valuable sculptures of St. Nikolai Church Stralsund is the statue of Anna Selbtritt, which dates back to before 1270. It is one of the oldest sculptures of St. Anna in the Baltic Sea region. The Stralsunder Anna Selbtritt is the patron saint of dressmakers, shopkeepers and boaters and therefore plays a very special role in the history of the Hanseatic city. The colors on the sculpture are original colors.
The St Nikolai Church Stralsund has overwhelmed us with its splendid decoration, but above all with the sculptures, the altars, the carvings and the works of art that have been the history and development of this church since the 13. Century make clear. If you do not have much time in Stralsund - you should definitely take a look at this church.
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Are you interested in village churches in the region? Then take a look at our article “Travel to Usedom - Because of the music". Many events during the Usedom Music Festival take place in the village churches on the island. Further There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Kassel.
Source: own research on site and the information of the Protestant church.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
