Marktkirche St. Nicolai (Hameln)

Marktkirche St. Nicolai, nestled in the heart of Hamelin’s charming old town in Niedersachsen, Germany, is a beacon of history and architectural splendor. Known locally as Marktkirche, this evangelical Lutheran church is the second oldest in the city, following the Münster St. Bonifatius. Its rich history, dating back to the 13th century, and its intricate architectural details make it a must-visit for any traveler exploring Hamelin.

The Historical Journey of Marktkirche St. Nicolai

The origins of Marktkirche St. Nicolai can be traced back to the early 12th century. During reconstruction efforts in 1957, the foundations of a predecessor building were discovered, believed to be a small, single-nave chapel with a west tower. This early structure laid the groundwork for what would become a magnificent Romanesque basilica with a transept, constructed in the latter half of the 12th century. The church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and merchants, reflecting Hamelin's historical significance as a trading town.

In the aftermath of a devastating fire around 1220-1230, the church underwent a transformation into a Gothic vaulted basilica, with the west tower being elevated. The period between 1250 and 1260 saw another significant transformation as the church was remodeled into a hall church, with the tower being further heightened and the side aisles extended and raised. By 1290-1310, the church had expanded eastward with the addition of a fifth bay and a polygonal apse, along with a sacristy. Today, visitors can still admire the exterior walls, the eastern bays with the chancel apse, and the western north door, known as the Bride's Portal, featuring a blessing Christ figure.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The interior of Marktkirche St. Nicolai is a testament to its enduring legacy and the artistic talents of various periods. The baroque interior, introduced after the Seven Years' War between 1764 and 1768, includes new windows and a gabled roof over the central and southern aisles. In 1899, the interior was redesigned in a neo-Gothic style, adding to the church's historical layers.

One of the most striking features is the west portal door, crafted from copper in 1961 by the Bremen-based goldsmiths Bolze, based on designs by architect Eberhard G. Neumann. The left door panel depicts the church around 1200 with attributes of St. Nicholas, the Luther rose with the year 1542 marking the Reformation's introduction in Hamelin, and the destroyed Marktkirche rising like a phoenix. The right panel showcases the world with Hamelin's city crest, the Weser bridge with salmon, and the cross of the German East, commemorating refugees in Hamelin.

The Altar and Crucifix

The altar, created by Hamelin sculptor Arn Walter, stands prominently in the crossing vault. Shaped like a chalice, it features symbols of Christ's sacrificial death during the Last Supper, including ears of wheat, grapes, fish, a crown of thorns, and instruments of Christ's passion. The brass cross, designed by Bremen goldsmith Franz Bolze, showcases a crucifixion medallion beneath a mountain crystal, with the symbols of the four evangelists at the cross ends.

Flanking the altar are two bronze candlesticks in the form of angels from the early 16th century. Suspended in the crossing arch is a wooden crucifix from the mid-15th century, adorned with stylized leaves at its ends.

The Pulpit and High Altar Remnants

The pulpit, located at the northwest crossing pier, is a reconstruction by Hamelin carpenter Dörries. The figures and reliefs, however, are originals by Hanoverian court sculptor Johann Friedrich Ziesenis from 1768. The reliefs depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, while the female figures represent faith, love, hope, the church, and the Old Covenant. Remnants of the baroque high altar by Ziesenis, including figures of the four evangelists, Christ, and God the Father as the creator of the world, are displayed in the left arch next to the pulpit, along with the Last Supper relief from the former predella.

The Baptismal Font and Organ

The octagonal sandstone baptismal font from the early 17th century features fruit garlands, masks, and angel heads in the Weser Renaissance style. Though severely damaged in the 1945 fire, it was later restored by sculptor Gienke from Eschershausen.

The organ, built in 1966 by Rudolf von Beckerath from Hamburg, boasts 39 registers on three manuals with a pedal. Over the years, it has undergone several restorations and modifications, including the addition of a principal 8' to the Rückpositiv by the Goll company from Lucerne in 1991 and a silent subbass 16' in the pedal by the Hillebrand brothers from Altwarmbüchen in 2003. The organ now features 41 registers and an electronic register memory with 16,000 possible pre-programmings.

Events and Cultural Significance

Marktkirche St. Nicolai is not just a place of worship but also a cultural hub. Regular concerts are held within its hallowed walls, including major oratorio concerts by the Hamelin Kantorei, led by Stefan Vanselow, in spring and autumn. On the second day of Christmas, a cantata service is held, and from May to August, the church hosts a series of organ music performances every Thursday.

In conclusion, Marktkirche St. Nicolai stands as a testament to Hamelin's rich history and architectural heritage. Its walls tell stories of resilience, transformation, and artistic brilliance, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting this enchanting city.