St. Katharinen (Brandenburg an der Havel)

St. Katharinen Church, located in the Neustadt district of Brandenburg an der Havel, is a true gem of late Gothic architecture and a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry. As the largest church in the city, it stands as a monumental example of Brick Gothic style, adorned with intricate decorations and remarkable sculptures that draw visitors from near and far.

A Glimpse into the Architectural Marvel

The construction of St. Katharinen began in 1381 under the direction of the renowned Stettin master builder, Hinrich Brunsberg. By 1401, the church was consecrated to St. Catherine, St. Amalberga, and St. Nicholas, marking the completion of the nave. The church's dimensions are awe-inspiring, with a length of 73 meters, a width of 29 meters, and a roof that soars to a height of 38 meters. The tower, an impressive 72 meters tall, offers a commanding presence over the cityscape.

One of the most striking features of St. Katharinen is its roof structure, a masterpiece of late medieval carpentry that surpasses the height of the nave itself. The church's design includes a polygonal choir with an ambulatory, added in a later phase, which enhances the architectural complexity. The buttresses are ingeniously integrated into the interior, creating deep window niches connected by narrow, pointed arches.

The Exterior Splendor

The exterior of St. Katharinen is a visual feast of decorative brickwork, terracotta sculptures, and form bricks, showcasing a level of opulence typically associated with stone Gothic architecture. The side chapels, which give the church a cruciform layout, are particularly noteworthy. Their towering facades, adorned with pinnacles, tracery, and intricate gables, are stabilized by the folded lines of the facade.

The North Chapel, also known as the Marienkapelle, is the richest in decoration, while the South Chapel, or Schöppenkapelle, closely rivals it in splendor. These chapels, with their impressive size and elaborate embellishments, were intended to underscore the importance and wealth of the Neustadt district during the Middle Ages.

The Interior Treasures

Inside St. Katharinen, visitors are greeted by an array of artistic and historical treasures spanning from the Middle Ages to more recent times. The high altar, a winged altarpiece created by G. Weger in 1474, is a focal point. It features intricately carved figures of the Madonna and saints, scenes from the lives of St. Catherine and St. Amalberga, and depictions of the Passion of Christ.

The pulpit, donated in 1668, is another highlight. Its polygonal basket, supported by a figure of St. Paul, is adorned with figures of Christ and the apostles, surrounded by twisted columns and intricate carvings. The baptismal font, cast in brass in 1440 by D. Molner in Erfurt, stands in the North Chapel. It features depictions of the baptism of Christ, the twelve apostles, and the church's patron saints, Catherine and Amalberga.

The Hedwig Altar, located in the South Chapel, dates back to around 1480 and showcases figures of St. Hedwig flanked by plague saints Rochus and Adrianus of Nicomedia. The altar's wings are adorned with paintings depicting scenes from their lives and a representation of the Mass of St. Gregory.

St. Katharinen's stained glass windows, designed and executed by Otto Linnemann in 1912, add to the church's vibrant interior. Numerous epitaphs and grave monuments also contribute to the rich historical narrative encapsulated within its walls.

The Magnificent Organ

The organ of St. Katharinen is a marvel in its own right. The main organ, with its baroque-oriented design and 1726 prospect, is complemented by a large, swellable auxiliary organ and a choir organ. These instruments, controlled from a central console, offer a diverse range of sounds that fill the church with their resonant tones.

The church has a long history of organ music, dating back to the 16th century. The current organ setup, completed in 2020 by Alexander Schuke Orgelbau GmbH, includes over 96 registers and 6,364 pipes, making it the largest organ arrangement in the state of Brandenburg. This impressive instrument continues to captivate listeners with its rich and varied soundscapes.

A Towering Presence

The tower of St. Katharinen, reaching a height of 72.5 meters, has its own dramatic history. In 1582, the northern half of the tower collapsed following damage from a storm two years earlier. This catastrophe led to significant rebuilding efforts, ensuring the tower's stability for future generations.

St. Katharinen Church is not just a place of worship; it is a beacon of architectural brilliance and historical significance. Its walls and towers have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of change and continuity. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. Katharinen in Brandenburg an der Havel promises a journey through the annals of time and a feast for the senses.