St. John's Church

St. John's Church, known locally as St. Johannis, stands as a majestic testament to the grandeur of North German Brick Gothic architecture in the heart of Lüneburg, Lower Saxony. This evangelical Lutheran church, the oldest in the Hanseatic city, is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical and architectural landmark that draws visitors from near and far.

The Historical Significance of St. John's Church

The origins of St. John's Church date back to 1174 when it was first mentioned in historical records. The current five-aisled Gothic hall church was constructed between 1289 and 1470, with the majority of the building completed by 1372 and the tower reaching its full height in 1384. The tower, which stands at an impressive 108.7 meters, is the second tallest in Lower Saxony, second only to St. Andrew's Church in Hildesheim. Interestingly, the tower leans slightly due to a corkscrew-like deformation of the roof structure, a quirk that adds to its unique charm. According to legend, the master builder, upon realizing the error, threw himself from one of the upper windows but was miraculously saved by a passing hay wagon.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

One of the most striking features of St. John's Church is its magnificent carved altar, a masterpiece from the 15th century. The central scene of the Crucifixion of Christ is flanked by fourteen scenes from the Passion and Easter stories, framed by groups of apostles and female figures. The altar's outer wings are adorned with paintings by the Hamburg artist Hinrik Funhof, depicting the legends of saints such as George, John, Ursula, and Cecilia, making it a significant example of late medieval North German painting.

The church’s chancel is flanked by the Ursula and Elisabeth chapels. The Elisabeth Chapel is particularly notable for its stained glass windows created by Charles Crodel in 1969, which serve as a tribute to Heinrich Radbrock, the last Catholic abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Scharnebeck and superintendent in Lüneburg. The south windows, featuring 36 small narrative panes with motifs from the 148th and 150th Psalms, complete the chapel's comprehensive glazing.

The Organs of St. John's Church

Music lovers will be thrilled to discover that St. John's Church houses two significant organs. The historic organ on the west gallery, completed in 1553 by Hendrik Niehoff and Jasper Johansen, was expanded in 1652 and 1715. This organ was played by the renowned St. Johannis cantor Georg Böhm from 1698 to 1733, and it is said that the young Johann Sebastian Bach once listened to Böhm's performances here. In 2010, a new choir organ, built by Orgelbau Kuhn, was inaugurated, designed to capture the essence of French Romanticism.

Other Artistic Highlights

Among the church’s other artistic treasures is the Gothic Marian chandelier, a splendid example of late 15th-century North German craftsmanship. It depicts Mary under a gilded canopy with the child Jesus in a radiant halo. The church underwent significant renovations in 2007, including a thorough restoration of its interior and the historic organ, ensuring that these treasures continue to inspire awe in visitors.

The Bells of St. John's Church

St. John's Church is also home to a historically and acoustically valuable set of eight bells. The main peal consists of six bells, with the most melodious being the Apostle bell, cast in 1436 by Ghert Klinghe in Bremen. The largest bell, the new Watch bell, weighs an impressive 6,965 kg. In 2013, three new bells were cast to relieve the older ones, including a replacement for the original Watch bell, which was melted down during World War I. The new bells, cast by the Bachert bell foundry in Karlsruhe, were inaugurated in 2014, adding to the church's rich auditory heritage.

Exploring St. John's Church

Visitors to St. John's Church can explore its many historical and artistic features, from the leaning tower to the stunning stained glass windows and the intricate carvings of the altar. The church is part of the European Route of Brick Gothic, a testament to its architectural and historical significance. Open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, St. John's Church offers a serene and inspiring experience for all who enter its ancient doors.

In conclusion, St. John's Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of medieval art and architecture, a beacon of Lüneburg's rich history, and a testament to the enduring legacy of North German Brick Gothic design. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. John's Church promises to be a memorable and enriching experience.