St. Nicholas' Church

St. Nicholas' Church (St.-Nikolai-Kirche) in Stralsund, Germany, is an architectural marvel and a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry. Nestled in the heart of the old town, this majestic structure is the oldest of the three major Evangelical Lutheran churches in Stralsund, first mentioned in historical records in 1276. The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors and merchants, reflecting Stralsund's maritime heritage.

Architectural Grandeur

St. Nicholas' Church stands slightly shorter than the nearby St. Mary's Church, yet it commands attention with its impressive dimensions. The church stretches 87 meters in length, with the central nave soaring to a height of 29 meters, flanked by two side naves that are half as high. The roofs, adorned with copper plates, culminate in a saddle roof crowned by a small ridge turret in the center.

The church's western entrance, accessible through the Buttergang from the Stralsund Town Hall, is particularly striking. The two towers, with their square bases measuring approximately 16 meters on each side at the bottom, taper slightly to about 14.6 meters at the top. The southern tower reaches an impressive height of 102.6 meters, including 58 meters of brick masonry. Inside the towers, a preserved treadmill used for hoisting materials adds a touch of historical intrigue.

Chimes and Bells

The bell ensemble of St. Nicholas' Church is a harmonious trio of bronze bells housed in the southern tower, tuned to the notes cis′, d′, and e′. One of the bells, cast by the renowned bellmaker Johann Gottfried Wosaeck during the Baroque period, is a historical gem. Although an internet video mentions only two bells, the church's rich acoustic heritage remains a point of fascination for visitors and locals alike. A bell from 1595, now displayed on the ground outside the church, bears a Latin inscription and serves as a poignant reminder of the church's enduring legacy.

Interior Splendor

Upon entering St. Nicholas' Church, visitors are greeted by a forest of twenty pillars, with nine on each side separating the central nave from the side naves and two more at the choir's end. The octagonal pillars in the nave and the diamond-shaped ones in the choir add to the church's architectural elegance. The walls and support pillars boast well-preserved or meticulously restored drawings and paintings, offering a glimpse into the church's artistic heritage.

Despite the destruction of many artworks during the Stralsund Iconoclasm in 1525, the church's interior still houses a wealth of historical and artistic treasures. The High Choir, with its three-aisled design and cross-ribbed vault, is home to the High Altar, choir screens, and an astronomical clock. The separation between the High Choir and the central nave, maintained even after the Reformation, adds to the church's unique character. The baroque confessionals and the west-facing congregation seating, installed in the High Choir, reflect the church's evolving liturgical practices over the centuries.

Choral Highlights

The small organ choir, located above the High Altar, is a late Gothic masterpiece adorned with images of saints and four coats of arms, including the Barther Griffin and the Stralsund Arrow. Although the original organ no longer exists, the choir's artistic and historical significance remains undiminished. The Bläserchor, dating back to 1505, features images of Jesus and the twelve apostles, adding to the church's rich tapestry of religious art.

The Golden Coat of Arms Frieze

One of the most striking features of St. Nicholas' Church is the golden frieze in the upper central nave, adorned with fifty coats of arms of the city's councilors from the 16th and 17th centuries. This frieze, a testament to Stralsund's civic pride, includes the coats of arms of notable figures such as Mayor Bartholomäus Sastrow and councilors Arnd Schwarte and Christian Ehrenfried Charisius. The detailed depiction of each coat of arms offers a fascinating insight into the city's historical governance and social hierarchy.

Altars and Furnishings

The wooden High Altar, standing approximately twelve meters tall, is a marvel of medieval craftsmanship. The altar, featuring over 100 carved figures, is a visual feast. The central shrine, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus flanked by the two thieves, is a poignant representation of Christian iconography. The side shrines and the predella, with their intricate carvings and detailed scenes, further enhance the altar's artistic and spiritual significance.

The baroque main altar, created between 1706 and 1708 by Thomas Phalert's workshop, serves as the liturgical centerpiece in the central nave. This grand altar replaced the earlier Antwerp retable, now housed in the village church of Waase on the island of Rügen. The baroque altar, designed to reflect contemporary Protestant ideals, is a striking example of early 18th-century religious art and craftsmanship.

St. Nicholas' Church is not just a place of worship but a living museum of Stralsund's rich cultural and religious heritage. Its towering spires, intricate artworks, and historical artifacts offer visitors a unique glimpse into the past, making it an unmissable landmark for anyone exploring this beautiful Hanseatic city.