St. Mary`s church

St. Mary's is a three-aisled brick hall church in Prenzlau with two towers and three polygonal chapels on its eastern side. The building impresses with its clear structure and Gothic proportions, demonstrating the craftsmanship of the medieval period.

An earlier fieldstone church built between 1235 and 1250 was replaced by the current brick structure constructed from 1289 to 1340. This rebuilding reflected Prenzlau's growing importance as a regional trade hub during that era.

The late Gothic altar shows scenes from the area's past and was hidden behind walls during wartime to keep it safe. The church remains the spiritual center where the community gathers for worship and major life events.

The church is easily accessible and centrally located, making it simple to visit while exploring the town. It is best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the architectural details and how light enters the interior spaces.

The eastern façade copies design elements from Cologne Cathedral, featuring buttresses that end in decorative pinnacles and intricate tracery patterns. This ambitious design was uncommon for a church of this scale in the region and shows advanced building techniques.