St. Stephanikirche, Gothic church in Aschersleben, Germany

St. Stephanikirche is a Gothic church building in Aschersleben featuring three naves, pointed arch windows, and ribbed vaults characteristic of medieval German ecclesiastical design. The structure rises with vertical lines and features the external buttresses that support its walls and allow the high interior spaces.

The church's construction began in the 14th century as Aschersleben was growing following the grant of municipal rights in 1266 and developing as a trading center. It was built during a period when the town was increasing its wealth and regional importance through commerce and craftsmanship.

Around the organ hang 26 oil paintings of Aschersleben magistrates, made around 1660 by Wulf Ernst Lindemeyer of Halberstadt to honour the town's leadership during the Thirty Years' War; they were first hung in 1663. One councillor, Schultheiss Valentin Drosihn, refused to be painted because he was ashamed of his large nose.

The church is located in Aschersleben's old town and is easily reached on foot through the pedestrian area, with parking available nearby. Visitors should know that opening hours may vary depending on services and events, so checking ahead is useful for planning a visit.

The south tower leans almost a metre from the vertical at its tip and is checked regularly; its walls are 3.58 metres thick at the base and 2.7 metres in the top storey, and the spire alone measures 28 metres. The north tower was never finished after subsidence in the sandy ground beneath it.