One of Berlin’s oldest churches, a Gothic medieval building in the heart of the central district of Mitte, holds an immense fresco called The Dance of Death.
Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) in Berlin’s Mitte district is one of the oldest churches in Berlin. The original early Gothic structure dates back to about 1270, but has been continually expanded and restored since then. Visit the church in the center of the city to see its intriguing mix of architectural styles, medieval frescos and artworks such as the famous Dance of Death.
View the red-brick church from the street to see the structure next to the Neptunbrunnen fountain. The oldest parts of the church are made from granite, while the later additions are made from a similar distinctive red brick to the nearby Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall). The church’s front tower was built in the 15th century. Its dome, added in 1790, was designed by the same architect who designed the Brandenburg Gate. Look for the bronze statue on a granite pedestal outside the church on the north side. This depiction of Martin Luther was placed here in 1983, on the 500th birthday of the famous German monk.
Walk through the Entrance Hall to see the 72.1-foot (22-meter) fresco, Der Totentanz (The Dance of Death). The fresco was painted in 1485 when the Black Death swept through Europe. For a small fee, visitors can purchase a tile and add it to a mosaic replica of the fresco. Proceeds go towards the original fresco’s restoration.
Admire the church’s stunning vaulted ceilings and the series of artworks that are on display throughout the building. Walk through to Marienkirche’s ornate altar and discover the paintings and sculptures that adorn it. Tall glass windows stretch up to the vaulted ceiling, giving the church an airy atmosphere.
Marienkirche is open daily and entrance is free. The church is located next to the Fernsehturm in Alexanderplatz, which is easily accessible by subway, train, tram and bus. Drivers can use the parking lot beneath the Alexanderplatz shopping mall. Walk from Marienkirche to several other historic attractions in Mitte, including the TV Tower and Museum Island.
