St. Mary's Church, Stralsund, Germany

St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) is a large Lutheran church built some time before 1298. It is architecturally Gothic, an example of the brick gothic style prevalent in northern Germany. Between 1625 and 1647, it was the tallest building in the world at 151 metres tall.

The bell tower collapsed in 1382, and was rebuilt by 1478. In 1495, the steeple tower blew down during a severe storm, and was then rebuilt taller. This was subsequently struck by lightning in 1647, and burned down, and was rebuilt as a baroque dome, which, completed in 1708, can be seen today. The tower is currently 104 metres tall.

User Reviews

Heiko Sommer (4 months ago)
Nice view at the historic center of the city.

Rory Macrae (7 months ago)
Climb the tower. It’s worth it. After a winding climb up one of the brick towers you ascend through progressively narrower wooden supports carrying the bells and the roof to emerge on a circular platform with breathtaking views. The inside of the church is less interesting than the Nikolai church

Aria Liebedich (8 months ago)
Got the chance to climb the tower.The view is Fantastic you can see the whole city of Stralsund.I love the St .Marys Church

Karina Giel (8 months ago)
You MUST climb the bell tower - it's simply amazing! And I'm not talking only about the view, but also about climbing itself. You can see the bells up very close :)

Peter de Zoeten (9 months ago)
Very nice church. If you are not afraid of heights, climb the 166 steps to the top. And enjoy the view at 92m.

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According to a traditional account, a small Visigoth church, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers. The mosque underwent numerous subsequent changes: Abd al-Rahman II ordered a new minaret, while in 961 Al-Hakam II enlarged the building and enriched the Mihrab. The last of such reforms was carried out by Almanzor in 987. It was connected to the Caliph"s palace by a raised walkway, mosques within the palaces being the tradition for previous Islamic rulers – as well as Christian Kings who built their palaces adjacent to churches. The Mezquita reached its current dimensions in 987 with the completion of the outer naves and courtyard.

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