Our first stop is the St. Mary’s Church. It is the third largest church building in Germany and the first Gothic style brick church and served as the inspiration for other such churches in the Baltic region. It is also home to the world’s largest mechanical organ.
Gothic style architecture are quite imposing and solemn. Looked at how tall it is considering that it is a single floor.
This old style residential building stood opposite the church. It too is imposing and a little drab from the exterior.
But look how much improvement a few pots of flowers can do for the place.
This is a beautiful aisle with columns lining on one side and Moorish (I think) arch spanning overhead.
It was already June and is early summer but the weather is cool. I liked the contrast this giant tree provided in healthy green against the light brown brick wall.
And on the globe over the other side of the fence was stuck a yellow cross. Somehow reminded me of King Arthur's sword - Excalibur.
Away from the bright sunlight, the room appeared momentarily dark but it actually is quite high given the very tall ceiling and windows. I loved the beauty of stained glass and there are many fine examples in this church.
There are finely detailed writings in the old language and exquisite drawings painted on the walls. Many works of arts can be found within.
These bandaged crosses at one corner of the church are memorials of the horror of War. The church itself had been bombed and destroyed during World War II. As we walked along and looked at these monuments, I could not help also noticed the number epitaphs and prayers dedicated to kings and statesmen who fought war in the name of religion. I mentioned this irony to Hendrik the ambiguity of religion. On one hand, we preached the sanctity of life and on the other hand we blessed those who killed in the name of our religion. I was a little surprised how strongly he agreed with me.
What a beautifully crafted work of art.
Crucified Jesus with a missing arm.
The last supper in marble.
Looked at the beautiful painted columns and how high they reached up to meet equally beautiful arched ceilings.
You cannot imagine the feeling of awe as you were dwarfed by this fantastic architecture.
These codes were placed at regular intervals on the wall of the church. I asked Hendrik what they meant and he had no idea too. I joked we should try to decipher these quotes before we leave Lubeck. We saw a different set of number in another church. It was there that we cracked the secret with the help of a local. Do you know what they mean? If you don’t read future posts to find out.
These are the original bells of the church that fell down and embedded on the floor during a raid in World War II. They are left where they dropped to remind everyone of the war. Though silent, the bell still rang out its warning to every visitors who witnessed how it landed from great heights.
We came out into the sunshine again and were greeted with these beautiful blooms.
To be continued...
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