Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Church · Salzwedel, Saxônia-Anhalt
St. Catherine's Church (Katharinenkirche Salzwedel)
Brick Gothic church of Salzwedel’s old Neustadt, begun in 1280, with a bronze baptismal font from 1421, a carved altarpiece from 1474 and medieval chancel stained glass.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About St. Catherine's Church (Katharinenkirche Salzwedel)
Saint Catherine’s Church was the principal church of the Neustadt, the New Town founded in 1247 beside the Old Town. For a long time Salzwedel was a twin town and each part built its large brick church. Construction of the Katharinenkirche began in 1280.
In the early 14th century a chancel higher than the nave was added. Around 1450 the whole church was raised to that height and vaulted; in the following decades a chapel and a two‑storey sacristy were added on the south side. The tower lost its spire after a lightning strike in 1644; the current covering is copper.
The interior preserves important late medieval pieces. The bronze baptismal font dates to 1421. The larger carved altarpiece, from 1474, shows in its centre a unicorn taking refuge in Mary’s lap. In the north nave there is another 15th‑century Marian altar. Of the nine original chancel windows three remain, depicting scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ.
Near the church is the Steintor, one of the two remaining gates of the medieval wall, and some of the town’s quieter half‑timbered streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
During the day, in the parish opening hours. On days with baptisms, weddings or special services visits may be interrupted; check ahead.
How to get there
It is in the northern part of the center, in the old Cidade Nova, less than a ten-minute walk from the station and about ten minutes from the church of Santa Maria.
Tip
Look for the scene of the unicorn in Mary's lap on the high altarpiece. When you leave, walk to the Steintor, which is nearby.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Catherine's Church (Katharinenkirche Salzwedel)
What is Salzwedel's Katharinenkirche?
It is the brick Gothic church of Salzwedel's former New Town, founded in 1247. Construction began in 1280 and was extended until the second half of the 15th century.
What to see in the Katharinenkirche?
The bronze baptismal font of 1421; the carved retable of 1474 with the scene of the unicorn in Mary's lap; a 15th‑century Marian altar; and three medieval choir windows.
Is the Katharinenkirche far from the center?
No. It stands in the northern part of the historic center, between the station and the church of Santa Maria, and is within walking distance.