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. Marien Salzwedel
Salzwedel’s largest church, a brick Gothic basilica with five naves and a tower just over 80 metres high, slightly leaning. In the chancel is a carved altarpiece from 1510 measuring eight metres in height.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About St. Marien Salzwedel
The Church of Saint Mary is the main church of Salzwedel’s Old Town and the most visually prominent building in the town. Around 1150 there stood a Romanesque church of fieldstone on the site. After 1200 it was replaced by a brick basilica, which from the mid‑14th century was extended to five naves. Since about 1550 the overall volume of the church has changed little.
The tower is about 80 metres tall and has a slight curvature at the top, noted from early times. A legend from the Altmark attributes the bend to a giant who threw a stone at the church. With the expansion the tower became enclosed by the west nave and today is inside the church’s body.
The interior houses items from several centuries. The carved high altar, installed in 1510, is eight metres high and more than six metres wide, with dozens of reliefs and sculptures. The bronze baptismal font dates to 1522 and was made in Nuremberg, and the sandstone pulpit is from 1581. The chancel contains medieval stained glass and fragments of 14th‑century pews.
The organ has a Baroque case from the mid‑18th century and an instrument from the early 20th century, restored and re‑dedicated in 2007.
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 45 minutes to see the nave, the high altar altarpiece and the baptismal font.
Best time
During the day, in the parish opening hours which vary through the week. Late afternoon light enhances the chancel stained glass. Check ahead, as the church may close for services.
How to get there
It is located in the south of the old town, a few steps from the Danneil Museum and Saint Lawrence’s Church. From the station it is about a 15‑minute walk through the town centre.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Danneil Museum next door to see the Cranach altarpiece that came from another city church. Look at the tower top from outside, in the square: the curvature is more visible from a distance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Marien Salzwedel
Why is the tower of Salzwedel's Marienkirche crooked?
The top of the tower has a slight bend, noted from early on. A legend from the Altmark says a giant threw a stone at the church; sources do not record a definitive technical cause.
What is there to see inside Salzwedel's Marienkirche?
The carved high altar retable from 1510, eight meters high; the bronze baptismal font from 1522; the sandstone pulpit of 1581; 14th‑century choir glass and parts of the choir stalls; and the baroque case organ.
Is Salzwedel's Marienkirche open every day?
It opens at times set by the parish, which change during the week and throughout the year, and it can close for ceremonies. Confirm before you go.