Schnitger organ of St. Jacobi Hamburg

The Schnitger organ in St. Jacobi Church is a Baroque instrument with four manuals, a pedal keyboard, and 60 registers that produce sound through approximately 4000 pipes. This complex mechanism fills the church's interior with its substantial size and sonic power.

Arp Schnitger completed this instrument in 1693 by incorporating parts from an earlier organ built in 1512. This new construction significantly expanded the musical capabilities and shaped church music for generations afterward.

The organ serves as a center for church music and organ concerts, bringing together visitors from around the world for performances and services. This is where the local community gathers for liturgical celebrations and specialized musical events.

Guided tours are regularly offered to learn about the instrument's construction and sonic capabilities. The best way to experience it is during a church service or scheduled concert when the organ is actively being played.

This is the largest surviving Baroque organ built before 1700, and most of its original pipes survived the destruction of World War II. This original material makes it a rare source for understanding how Baroque organs actually sounded.

Location: Hamburg

Inception: 1693

Creator: Arp Schnitger

GPS coordinates: 53.55037,10.00030

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30