St. Gotthardt Church: A Testament to Brandenburg's History

Discover St. Gotthardt Church in Brandenburg an der Havel: a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures, offering panoramic city views.

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St. Gotthardt

St. Gotthardt Church, located in the heart of Brandenburg an der Havel's Old Town, is a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, bearing witness to over 800 years of history. Founded in the Slavic era and named after Bishop Godehard of Hildesheim, the church boasts a monumental west building dating back to the 12th century. Rebuilt in the 15th century as a three-aisle Gothic hall church, its interior is adorned with treasures like a bronze baptismal font from the 13th century, a stunning sandstone pulpit from 1623, and the first Reformation altar in the Mark Brandenburg region (1559). Ascend the tower for panoramic views, and explore the meticulously restored chapels, each telling a story of resilience and artistic evolution. St. Gotthardt is more than a church; it's a living chronicle of Brandenburg's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to St. Gotthardt

Gotthardtkirchpl. 8, Brandenburg, 14770, DE
+493381522062
Visit website

Local tips

Climb the St. Gotthardt Church tower for panoramic views of Brandenburg an der Havel's Old Town and the surrounding Havel River landscape.
Explore the meticulously restored chapels within St. Gotthardt, each revealing unique historical and artistic features reflecting centuries of change.
Attend a service or concert at St. Gotthardt to experience the church's vibrant role in the community and appreciate its acoustics.

Getting There

Walking

From the Neustädtischer Markt (New Town Market Square), walk south along Hauptstraße, then turn left onto Ritterstraße. Continue onto Gotthardtkirchplatz. The church will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, from the Dominsel (Cathedral Island), cross the Jahrtausendbrücke (Millennium Bridge) and follow Ritterstraße to Gotthardtkirchplatz. This walk takes about 15 minutes.
Public Transport

Take tram line 6 to the 'Altstadt Markt' stop. From there, walk east for one block to Gotthardtkirchplatz. A single tram ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the Neustädtischer Markt, a short walk from the church.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to St. Gotthardt Church will take approximately 10 minutes and cost around €10-€15, depending on traffic.
Driving

Limited parking is available directly near the church. Consider parking at the Neustädtischer Markt or in nearby side streets. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1-€2 per hour. Be aware that parking can be scarce during peak tourist season and on weekends.

Discover more about St. Gotthardt

St. Gotthardt Church stands as a proud landmark in Brandenburg an der Havel, a city steeped in history and brimming with architectural marvels. Located in the Altstadt (Old Town), this Evangelical church is not just a place of worship but a tangible link to the region's past, showcasing a fascinating blend of architectural styles and artistic treasures accumulated over centuries. The church's origins trace back to the Slavic era, with its foundation predating 1147. It is dedicated to Bishop Godehard of Hildesheim, canonized shortly before construction commenced, reflecting the religious fervor of the time. The monumental west building, a testament to Romanesque architecture, dates back to the 12th century, offering a glimpse into the early medieval period. This robust structure, built with granite blocks, hints at the church's original design as a double-tower complex, though only one tower was ultimately realized. The Romanesque round-arched stepped portal remains a striking feature, inviting visitors to step back in time. In the mid-15th century, St. Gotthardt underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a late-Gothic, three-aisle hall church. This reconstruction, executed in brick, reflects the prevailing architectural trends of the era. The addition of chapel annexes on the north and south sides further expanded the church's footprint, creating a more complex and visually engaging structure. The soaring nave, supported by elegant columns, creates a sense of grandeur and spiritual upliftment. The interior of St. Gotthardt is a veritable treasure trove of artistic and historical artifacts. One of its most prized possessions is the bronze baptismal font, a masterpiece of late-Romanesque craftsmanship dating back to the 13th century. Its intricate details and symbolic imagery offer a window into the religious beliefs and artistic sensibilities of the time. The sandstone pulpit, created by Georg Zimmermann of Nuremberg in 1623, is another highlight, showcasing the skill and artistry of the Baroque period. Its elaborate carvings and allegorical figures are a testament to the power of religious oratory. Above the nave, a triumphal crucifixion group commands attention, its late-Gothic carvings, dating back to around 1500, depicting the tree of life. This powerful image serves as a reminder of the central tenets of Christianity and the enduring themes of sacrifice and redemption. The church also houses the first Reformation altar in the Mark Brandenburg region, dating back to 1559. Its individual images depict the development of the Reformation, offering a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in religious history. The Trebaw Epitaph offers a realistic perspective of the Altstadt of Brandenburg, with the Marienkirche, St. Gotthardt, and the Plauer Torturm all visible. The Epitaph of Simon Roter, the mayor of Altstadt Brandenburg, is also a notable feature. Throughout its history, St. Gotthardt has faced numerous challenges, including fires and periods of neglect. In 1776, a Baroque lantern and cupola were added to the tower, but these were destroyed in 1945. A church fire in 1972 devastated the interior and destroyed the organ. However, the church has consistently been restored, with the interior undergoing extensive renovations starting in 1976, and a new organ being consecrated in 1986. In the 2000s, the former baptismal chapel was renovated with help from Vicco von Bülow (Loriot), who was baptized in the chapel, and the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Brandenburg an der Havel and the surrounding landscape. The climb offers a unique perspective on the city's layout and the surrounding Havel River. Exploring the church's chapels reveals hidden gems and stories of resilience. Each chapel has its own unique history and artistic features, reflecting the changing tastes and religious practices of the community over time. Today, St. Gotthardt continues to serve as a vibrant center for religious and cultural activities. Regular services, concerts, and exhibitions are held within its walls, drawing visitors from near and far. The church's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing contemporary expressions of faith makes it a truly special place. Visiting St. Gotthardt is an immersive experience that connects visitors to the rich history and cultural heritage of Brandenburg an der Havel. It is a place where the past and present converge, offering a glimpse into the enduring power of faith, art, and community.

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St. Gotthardt Church: A Testament to Brandenburg's History

A brief summary to St. Gotthardt

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of St. Gotthardt

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about St. Gotthardt

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

St. Gotthardt

Rathenower Torturm

Gotisches Haus

St. Johannis

Plauer Torturm

August Wredow Statue

Alexander von Humboldt-Denkmal

Bootslore

Neustädtischer Mühlentorturm

Friedrich-Schiller-Denkmal

Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung

Gedenktafel Bund Länder Programm Soziale Stadt

Leuchtturm Breitlingsee

Alte Eiche

Ministerweg von Rochow bepflanzt mit der Göttiner Bürgerinitiative Naturnahe Ortsteile

Unmissable attractions to see

Loriotdenkmal

Waldmops (Denkmal) - Erinnerung an Loriot

Am Salzhofufer

Friedenswarte auf dem Marienberg

Waldmops (Paar) im Humboldthain

Waldmops (Denkmal) - Homage an Loriot

Weinberg Brandenburg an der Havel

Waldmops am Brunnen/Dom

Brandenburg Cathedral

Waldmops am Dom

Waldmops Domlinden

Dommuseum

Havelpegel

Fritze Bollmann Brunnen

Slawendorf Brandenburg an der Havel

Essential places to dine

Gaststätte Zur Insel

Restaurant Inspektorenhaus

Ratskeller

Restaurant Parduin

Gaststätte zum Elfmeter

Gaststätte "Zum Bootshaus"

Am Humboldthain

Restaurant Remise

Schweineschnäuzchen

Herzschlag Brandenburg

Restaurant an der Dominsel

Restaurant Theaterklause

Steakhaus El Gaucho

Kartoffelkäfer

Malabar Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

nähkaufhaus.de Online Shop

pachamama Laden – plastikfrei & unverpackt – Trageberatung, Stoffwindeln, Kurse

Stehachterl

Weltladen Brandenburg an der Havel

Artimesia

Dürerhaus Hans-Peter Zahn

Depot

Wedekind Angel, Sport-, Spiel- u. Schreibwaren & freie Waffen

Wedekind Mode

Sankt-Annen-Galerie

Christ

JEANS FRITZ

MÄC-GEIZ

NANU-NANA

Shirt Instyle

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bending Times

Zur Erbse