A place to feel the history of Berlin, Germany through its ambiance: St. Marienkirche.
Located near Alexanderplatz, this red-brick Gothic church welcomes visitors with its architectural beauty that stretches up to the ceiling and a 15th-century fresco of the "Dance of Death." On summer evenings, the sound of its precious 18th-century organ envelops the space, transporting you back to ancient Berlin. Take a break during your sightseeing with a doner kebab from a nearby food stall at the square, and hop on a tram to your next destination. Enjoy a stroll through Berlin, guided by its sounds and scents.
Historical and architectural highlights
• Construction began in the 13th century (around the 1250s) and was completed in its current form in the 14th century. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in Berlin.
• The red-brick Gothic design is a defining feature, influencing the adjacent Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus).
• Although damaged during World War II, it was restored in the 1950s and remains intact today.
Interior art and decorations
• At the entrance, you'll find the "Dance of Death," a 15th-century fresco measuring 22 meters wide and 2 meters high. Rediscovered in 1860, it conveys the message that "everyone is equal before death," reflecting the era of the plague.
• The interior features a three-aisle Gothic design with white walls and high rib-vaulted ceilings. Numerous monuments and reliefs transferred from other churches lost to war are also on display.
• Highlights include the alabaster pulpit from 1703 and the Baroque-style main altar from the 1760s, with paintings by Christian Bernhard Rode.
• Outside the church stands a statue of Martin Luther, along with tombstones of Otto Christoph von Sparr and the founder of the world's oldest Bible society.
Organ concert information
• The pipe organ at the center of the church is a historic instrument crafted by Joachim Wagner between 1720 and 1721, with its exterior decorated in 1742.
• It has undergone multiple restorations and reconstructions from post-war times to 2002, aiming to replicate the original as closely as possible.
• Every summer, the "Berlin Organ Summer" music festival is held, featuring performances by renowned organists (scheduled for July 24 to September 4 in 2025).
• Special concerts combining organ, trumpet, and soprano are also held during Christmas.
• Free organ performances and recitals are available, making it a recommended experience alongside Sunday worship.
The square and food stalls in front of the church
• The church faces Alexanderplatz, making it a popular photo spot with the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) in the background.
• The surrounding area offers a variety of food options, from casual chain stores like Starbucks, Burger King, and KFC to hot dog stands, sushi, and Vietnamese food stalls.
• The street food favorite "doner kebab" is particularly recommended for its rich flavors and local popularity.
Tram and transportation access details
• The nearest tram stop is Spandauer Str./Marienkirche, offering excellent connectivity with numerous buses, trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn lines.
• Tram lines M4 and M5 stop here, along with S-Bahn lines (S3/S5/S7/S9), U-Bahn lines (U2/U5/U8), and buses (100, 147, 200).
• It’s just a few minutes' walk from Alexanderplatz station.