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Church · Salzwedel, Saxônia-Anhalt
St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche Salzwedel)
Brick basilica from the mid-13th century, in the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It served as a salt depot for over a century and today is a Catholic church, a stop on the Straße der Romanik.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche Salzwedel)
The Church of St. Lawrence is one of Salzwedel’s oldest buildings. The brick basilica was erected in the mid-13th century, without a transept, and shows the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It was the church for the men of the castle, which stood just to the north.
It early lost its parish function to the neighboring church of Santa Maria. After the Reformation, from 1541, services ceased, and from 1692 onward it served as the salt depot of the Elector of Brandenburg. In the early 18th century the side aisles were demolished, and the west tower collapsed in 1794. In 1859 the Diocese of Paderborn bought the building, which became a church again, this time Catholic.
The façade features dark molded bricks that outline the structure, and the rectangular chancel is marked by three large circular niches. The west portal preserves the city’s oldest ribbed vault. Inside are late Gothic figures brought from a Salzwedel church demolished at the end of the 18th century.
The Lorenzkirche is a stop on the Straße der Romanik, the Romanesque route of Saxony-Anhalt. Because it has underfloor heating, it is used for concerts, especially in winter.
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 20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
During the day. The outer door is usually left open and, through a glass door, the interior can be seen; to enter, the tourist information office can lend the key. Confirm before you go.
How to get there
It is on Holzmarktstraße, in the old town center, between the church of Santa Maria and the castle garden, a few minutes’ walk from both.
Tip
Notice the three circular niches of the chancel, visible from outside, and the west portal, which looks older than the rest of the building.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche Salzwedel)
Why was Salzwedel's Lorenzkirche used as a salt warehouse?
After the Reformation the church ceased to hold services and, from 1692, was used as a salt warehouse for the Elector of Brandenburg. It returned to being a church only after 1859, when it was purchased by the Diocese of Paderborn.
Is the Lorenzkirche part of the Straße der Romanik?
Yes. It is one of the stops on the Romanesque route of Saxony-Anhalt, due to its mid‑13th‑century brick architecture.
Can you enter the Lorenzkirche?
The outer door is usually open during the day, offering a view of the interior through a glass door. To enter, the tourist information office can lend the key; confirm before you go.