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[5] St. Mary Tower

St. Mary Church
© TZ Wismar, Christoph Meyer
View of the church tower from the St. Marien Forum
© TZ Wismar, Christoph Meyer

Description

The former council church was probably built in the first half of the 13th century. Today, only one buttress remains from the earliest stone church construction around 1260, located at the northeastern corner of the tower. The lower section of the tower and the lateral chapels are dated to 1280/90. The choir and the nave were rebuilt around 1310-1375. Older parts of the church, such as the tower, still show the trefoil arch frieze, an ornament that was no longer in vogue after 1350. The tower was raised by three floors at the beginning of the 15th century. The new brick basilica was twice as large and twice as high as the original hall church. The primary model for St. Mary was the church of St. Mary in Lübeck. St. Mary appeared to be built for eternity until World War II. The nave of the church was severely damaged in a bombing raid on the night of April 14-15, 1945, and was finally demolished in 1960. The over 80-meter high tower, visible from far away, is the only part remaining as the city's marker and marine navigation landmark. Until then, it was considered one of the most beautiful brick churches in northern Germany. Every 15 minutes, the church's twelve bells announce the time. Three times a day, at 12:00, 17:00 and 19:00, the clock mechanism plays a carillon over one of the fourteen chorales. The clock faces of the tower clock, with a diameter of 5 meters, allow a good view of the time from the ground. Exhibition Areas Changing exhibitions take place in the north chapel of the still-standing church tower. In the south chapel of the tower the dialogue of the spirit is audible. The terracotta figures from Peter to the Pilgrim are played with a light installation. The six brick figures united here in a dialogue are meant to be a symbol of willingness to engage in conversation. Representing different cultures and religions, they enter into a dialogue about God and his creation with original quotations from their writings, spoken by actor Bruno Ganz. At the foot of St. Mary's tower, visitors can learn about the production of bricks in a show brickyard.
ENTRANCE TO THE EXHIBITIONS IS FREE.

3D Movie "Bruno Brick" Discover how hard it was to build a brick church! In the 3D movie you can see how a lump of clay is turned into a brick by being pressed into a wooden mold, dried, and then fired at 1000°C in an oven. Walls, pillars, gates and dizzying vaults - all made from millions of bricks.
Adults €3.00
Reduced €2.00
Groups €2.50 (starting from 15 people), student groups €1.50

TOWER TOURS WITH GUIDE
St. Mary, the former council parish church, left behind a mighty 80-meter high tower. A landmark of Wismar that has been visible from afar by land and sea for centuries. Learn interesting facts about the history of the tower and the city on a guided tour at 63 meters altitude with an experienced guide.
Adults €3.00
Reduced €2.00

OPENING HOURS
April to September: daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM*
Tower climb St. Mary: hourly from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM or by appointment
October to March: daily 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM*
Tower climb St. Mary: only by appointment, group price 1-15 people €50

* Subject to change. Due to events the opening hours may change, see notice board in front of the church or in the day program.