St. Nicolai

St. Nicolai Church in Coswig, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, stands as a testament to the region's rich history and architectural evolution. This remarkable edifice, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Historical Journey of St. Nicolai

St. Nicolai is the oldest surviving building in Coswig, originally constructed in the mid-12th century as a Romanesque church. Its journey through time reflects the turbulent history of the region. During the Schmalkaldic War in 1547, the church was destroyed by Spanish forces. However, it rose from the ashes under the patronage of Prince Wolfgang in 1564/65. The church faced adversity again during the Thirty Years' War, leading to another reconstruction phase from 1685 to 1702, which shaped its current form.

The church's tower, a distinctive feature, underwent a significant transformation in 1865 after a fire damaged its upper section. The restoration introduced a Neo-Gothic style, adding an elongated octagonal middle story and a smaller octagonal top crowned with a pointed tent roof.

Architectural Marvels

St. Nicolai is a long, hall-style church adorned with a steep gabled roof. Its design reflects the influence of a 13th-century conversion into a mendicant order church. The absence of an apse and the presence of a large, three-bay long choir are notable features from this period. The north wall is punctuated with numerous doors, leading to private boxes once owned by affluent families, including a grand entrance to the princely box.

The Gothic main portal, over six meters high, is a striking element with its slightly pointed, three-stepped design. The columns flanking the entrance are adorned with capitals featuring buds and leaf ornaments, adding to the portal's grandeur.

Inside St. Nicolai

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the contrast between the nave and the nuns' choir. The choir boasts a ribbed vault, while the nave is topped with a flat coffered ceiling. The overall impression is dominated by the two-story gallery structures, with the north and south galleries dating back to the 16th century. The baroque transformation between 1688 and 1706 introduced the organ gallery and extended the galleries into the choir area.

Notable Features and Artworks

The church is home to several intriguing features and artworks. On the north side, multiple boxes belonging to the local nobility and bourgeoisie are accessible through separate exterior doors. Opposite the pulpit lies the opulently decorated princely box, complete with its own fireplace.

One of the oldest stained glass windows in Anhalt, dating back to 1350, is located above the pulpit. This Gothic masterpiece depicts four scenes from the Book of Genesis, including Adam and Eve with the serpent and the Expulsion from Paradise.

Artistic Treasures

St. Nicolai houses several remarkable paintings, including a Crucifixion scene by Lucas Cranach the Younger, created in 1556. This painting, located beside the pulpit, is rich in detail and a must-see for art lovers. Another noteworthy piece is the Last Supper painting from the Cranach workshop, situated in the tower's lower level. The apostles' faces bear the likenesses of figures from the regional Reformation history, adding a personal touch to the artwork.

Baroque Splendor

The baroque altar, designed by Johann Andreas von Düwens, is a two-story masterpiece. The central panel depicts a Crucifixion scene, with the Resurrection of Christ above it. The predella features the Last Supper, and the intricate carvings are the work of Johann Tobias Schuchhard.

The baroque pulpit, dating back to 1687, is adorned with various wood carvings, presumably from its predecessor. The niches house sculptures of Jesus and the Evangelists. The sound cover, created by Master Johann Potz in 1681, is topped with a figure of Christ on the Globe.

Historical Relics

The baptismal font, crafted in the Baroque period, was likely created by Giovanni Simonetti in 1701 and donated by the citizens of Coswig. It features two angels supporting an oval bowl, with an inscription circling it that reads: He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.

The choir stalls, dating back to around 1450, are remnants from the pre-Reformation era. Originally freestanding, they were integrated into the boxes during the Baroque period. In the latter half of the 16th century, the stalls were covered with paintings, possibly from the Cranach workshop.

Memorials and Music

Several epitaphs adorn the church, including the Pogk Epitaph, dedicated to Otto von Pogk, the head of the Coswig office, who died in 1577. The central panel features a painting from Lucas Cranach the Younger's workshop, depicting a scene from the Garden of Gethsemane. The Wacke Epitaph commemorates the six-year-old daughter of a Coswig citizen who passed away in 1631. The Stammer-Lattorff Epitaph features portrait medallions of Hennig Philipp von Stammer and his wife Maria Elisabeth von Lattorff.

The baroque organ prospect, with its five symmetrically arranged pipe towers, was created in the early 18th century. The current organ work was crafted by the Bernburg organ builder Georg Kühne in 1864.

In conclusion, St. Nicolai Church is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of history and art. Its walls echo with the stories of the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of Coswig. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, St. Nicolai promises an unforgettable experience.