St. Mary's church tower in Wismar

Imagine you are standing in front of the imposing tower of St. Mary's Church in Wismar. What you see today is only a fraction of what was once a magnificent Gothic hall church. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when the first master builders began to erect this impressive church.

The foundation stone was probably laid in the first half of the 13th century. Over the centuries, the church was repeatedly extended and rebuilt. The influence of St. Mary's Church in Lübeck, which served as a model for the new brick basilica, was particularly formative. The church was a true masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture and was considered one of the most beautiful churches in northern Germany until the Second World War.

But the war left deep scars. During a devastating air raid in 1945, the nave was so badly damaged that it had to be demolished in 1960. Only the mighty tower remained and is still a reminder of the former splendor of St. Mary's Church.

In the north chapel of the imposing tower, you will find a constantly changing exhibition that sheds light on the history and significance of St. Mary's Church. The south chapel, on the other hand, invites you to a very special encounter: In the "Dialogue of the Spirit", six historical personalities in the form of terracotta figures enter into a fascinating exchange about God and the world. Framed by an atmospheric light installation and the haunting words of Bruno Ganz, the result is a unique experience for all the senses.