Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis (St. Michael's Church) Hamburg
In German known affectionately and simply as "Michel", the first Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis (literally Head Church St. Michael) at this site was built between the late 1640s and 1660s. In 1750, that church was burnt down after a lightning strike. Construction of the second St. Michael's in the baroque style began within the same year and took 12 years. A wood tower addition was completed in 1786. In 1906, an accidental fire again completely destroyed this second St. Michael's.
Between 1906 and 1912, construction of the third St. Michael’s church took place. The old plans were used, this time utilising steel and concrete inside the remaining walls. Only the baptism font and offering box remained from 1763. This current St, Michael's suffered heavy damages during World War II, but was fully restored between 1947 and 1952.
Hauptkirche St. Michaelis is a purpose-built Protestant church, unlike many centuries-old European churches that were built and decorated as Roman Catholic but converted to Protestant during Reformation. It is considered one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches. The spire tower is 132 m (433 feet) high and the viewing platform is open to the public (admission fee applies).
Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis (St. Michael's Church) Hamburg
In German known affectionately and simply as "Michel", the first Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis (literally Head Church St. Michael) at this site was built between the late 1640s and 1660s. In 1750, that church was burnt down after a lightning strike. Construction of the second St. Michael's in the baroque style began within the same year and took 12 years. A wood tower addition was completed in 1786. In 1906, an accidental fire again completely destroyed this second St. Michael's.
Between 1906 and 1912, construction of the third St. Michael’s church took place. The old plans were used, this time utilising steel and concrete inside the remaining walls. Only the baptism font and offering box remained from 1763. This current St, Michael's suffered heavy damages during World War II, but was fully restored between 1947 and 1952.
Hauptkirche St. Michaelis is a purpose-built Protestant church, unlike many centuries-old European churches that were built and decorated as Roman Catholic but converted to Protestant during Reformation. It is considered one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches. The spire tower is 132 m (433 feet) high and the viewing platform is open to the public (admission fee applies).