St. Mary's Church: A Medieval Berlin Landmark
Explore Berlin's oldest church, a medieval masterpiece with stunning art and architecture, located near Alexanderplatz.
St. Mary's Church, or Marienkirche, stands as a testament to Berlin's rich history. Its origins trace back to around 1250, serving as a parish church for the growing town. First mentioned in chronicles in 1292, the church's exact age remains a mystery. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Lutheran during the Reformation in 1539. The church's architecture is a blend of styles, reflecting centuries of modifications and restorations. The oldest parts are granite, while the majority is constructed of distinctive red brick, a design choice mirrored in the nearby Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall). The tower, completed in the 15th century, received a copper spire in 1790 by Carl Gotthard Langhans, the architect of the Brandenburg Gate. Heavily damaged during World War II, the church was restored in the 1950s by East German authorities. Inside, the church features three Gothic aisles and an east choir. One of its most notable treasures is the 'Dance of Death' fresco, a 22-meter-long depiction of skeletons dancing with people from all walks of life, serving as a reminder of mortality. Other highlights include the Baroque pulpit created by Andreas Schlüter in 1703, the baptismal font with dragon-shaped legs, and the monumental tombs of Otto Christoph von Sparr and Carl Hildebrand Freiherr von Canstein. Today, St. Mary's Church stands in the open spaces around Alexanderplatz, overshadowed by the Fernsehturm (TV Tower), a striking juxtaposition of Berlin's past and present. A statue of Martin Luther stands outside the church.
Local tips
- Visit on Thursdays or Fridays to enjoy organ recitals and examine the historic 18th-century instrument.
- Don't miss the 'Dance of Death' fresco, a rare and well-preserved medieval artwork.
- Photography enthusiasts can capture the church's reflection in the fountain behind the TV Tower.
A brief summary to St. Mary's Church
- Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 8, Berlin, Mitte, 10178, DE
- +493024759510
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
St. Mary's Church is easily accessible via Berlin's extensive public transport network. Take the U-Bahn (U5 or U8) to Alexanderplatz or Rotes Rathaus. Alternatively, several tram and bus lines stop nearby. From Alexanderplatz station, it's a short walk west along Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. A single AB ticket costs €3.80.
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Walking
From Alexanderplatz, St. Mary's Church is a short walk. Head west on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, and you'll see the church on your right, next to the TV Tower. The walk is flat and takes only a few minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Berlin. A short ride from a central location like Brandenburg Gate or Potsdamer Platz will cost approximately €10. Be sure to specify 'Marienkirche' as your destination. There are taxi stands across the street from the church.
