Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church), Berlin

Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church), Berlin

Converted from its original Roman Catholic denomination to a Lutheran Protestant church, Saint Mary's lays claim to being among the oldest churches in Berlin, with origins tracing back to the late 13th century. The unassuming fusion of architectural styles somehow renders it one of Berlin's most appealing churches, its simplicity a reminder of the city's humble village beginnings. Once hemmed in by neighboring buildings, Saint Mary's now stands in solitude, casting its shadow beneath the imposing TV Tower.

The interior – an excellent place to escape the buzz – reveals a rather austere Gothic design punctuated by notable Baroque embellishments. Of particular note is the pulpit adorned with elaborately carved cherubs wielding trumpets and the baptismal font supported by three black dragon-shaped legs. In terms of carving and gilding, the restored organ tops it all off, and visitors can enjoy rousing recitals on Thursdays and Fridays, typically accompanied by an invitation to closely examine the 18th-century instrument.

Upon entering, brace yourself for a surprise: a 22-meter-tall frieze titled "The Dance of Death", commemorating the plague epidemics that wreaked havoc during the Dark Ages. Note that it is undergoing restoration and may not be open for public shenanigans.

Why You Should Visit:
A tranquil medieval oasis nestled in the heart of Berlin. The early Gothic hall design enriched with opulent Baroque elements renders it one of the city's most captivating churches.

Tips:
Photography enthusiasts can find an ideal vantage point with a reflective fountain layout in the square just behind the Fernsehturm (TV Tower), offering a perfect reflection of the church on the water's surface. Additionally, on the roadside of the church, pause to admire the striking statue of Martin Luther, with his right hand touching one of the Bible's pages, as if uttering his renowned phrase, "by faith alone".

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) on Map

Sight Name: Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church)
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Berlin, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Berlin

Create Your Own Walk in Berlin

Creating your own self-guided walk in Berlin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Third Reich Walking Tour

Third Reich Walking Tour

The “Third Reich” and “Nazi Germany” are the common English names for Germany between 1933 and 1945, when it was a totalitarian state led by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. For any visitor to Berlin, the Nazi surrender that ended World War II is still a point of interest, but matching locations to those moments of history can be a challenge. On this special...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Museum Island Walking Tour

Museum Island Walking Tour

One of Berlin’s most visited attractions, the Museum Island ("Museumsinsel") complex was established by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1841 and houses several world-famous museums kept in close vicinity of each other. The island itself is spectacular for a walk, with wonderful architecture, statues, gardens and trees, so enjoy the atmosphere and make at least a day...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Berlin Food Walking Tour

Berlin Food Walking Tour

While Berlin may not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, recent years saw a growing number of decent places to eat, serving both German and international cuisine. At some point, the city has even earned itself the title of a vegetarian capital of the world, contrary to what one may have expected. Amid all this renaissance in creativity and culture, coupled with the influx of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Alexanderplatz Walking Tour

Alexanderplatz Walking Tour

One of Berlin’s cosmopolitan hearts, Alexanderplatz (or Alexander Square) is a true hive of activity. There is always something going on here: Christmas markets, Easter fairs, buskers, performances, Oktoberfest, and the list is countless. Easily accessible, with lots of transport connections and all manner of drink and food outlets, it’s a great place to hang around, take photos, and enjoy...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Berlin Introduction Walking Tour

Berlin Introduction Walking Tour

Known for its turbulent past, today's German capital is a global city for international affairs, creative industries, popular media and diverse cultural tourism. The first written records of settlements in the area of present-day Berlin date from the late 12th century, when the region came under German rule as part of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, founded by Albert the Bear in 1157. Berlin...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tiergarten Walking Tour

Tiergarten Walking Tour

Known for the huge park of the same name, which once was a royal hunting ground, the central district of Tiergarten (German for “Animal Garden”) is home to the Berlin Zoo, the Victory Column with its winged statue and the lively, lakeside Café am Neuen See.

Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Best Cafés and Coffee Houses of Berlin

Best Cafés and Coffee Houses of Berlin

Cafes have a certain refinery and elegance that pubs lack; there is a mellowness that is rarely found in bars and clubs, and an ease and tranquillity that is not to be found in restaurants with their steaming kitchens, heavy plates, clattering cutlery, constant complaints and corrections and,...
Berlin Mementos: 18 Souvenir Shopping Ideas for Travelers

Berlin Mementos: 18 Souvenir Shopping Ideas for Travelers

Too many people and for very different reasons strove to set their foot in Berlin over the course of the 20th century. Today, the city proves just as luring a destination for numerous travelers who want to come and enjoy themselves in this fascinating European capital and, perhaps, bring home...
Best Food in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Best Food in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Kreuzberg is known for having great cheap, street food, particularly of the Middle Eastern variety. On almost every corner you can find a kebab or falafel shop, although the trick is knowing which to choose! While you can typically get a good, tasty wrap for €2.50-4, the quality, quantity and...
Best Cafes in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Best Cafes in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Traditionally, you may expect the cafes around Kottbusser Tor and throughout Kreuzberg to be dominated by ethnic Turks, particularly men, in rooms that do much to resemble the cafes of Istanbul. More recently, however, the ethnically Turkish and Arab communities that have typically inhabited...
Best Bars in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Best Bars in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Kreuzberg and "Kreuzkölln" - the area where Kreuzberg and Neukölln meet, mostly along the canal in east Kreuzberg and north of Sonnenallée in Neukölln - has a constantly and rapidly evolving bar culture that makes it one of the trendiest alternative evening and nightlife spots in...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Berlin

A Self-Guided Food Walk in Berlin

Repeatedly scarred throughout its long and often depressing past, today's Berlin has made a comeback as a major bohemian hub which lures artists and creatively-minded folk from all over the globe in their droves. It may well not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, but in recent...