St. Marien, Gothic church in Parchim, Germany.

St. Marien is a Gothic church in Parchim built from red brick, displaying the typical forms of northern European brick architecture. The interior is defined by thick pillars and soaring vaults, with large windows letting light flood across the altar spaces.

Pribislaw I founded Parchim's Neustadt on the west bank of the Elde in 1249 and began St. Marien at the same time. The brick church was consecrated on 19 June 1278 by Schwerin bishop Hermann I von Schladen and his brother Ludolf, and finished in the early 14th century as a three-aisled hall church. The west tower of 1310 took the towers of Lübeck's Marienkirche as its model; the choir was rebuilt in 1908.

This church has been the spiritual heart of Parchim for centuries and shapes how the community sees itself. People gather here for services and concerts that mark the rhythm of life in the town.

The building is freely accessible during its regular opening hours, and visitors can explore the interior at their own pace. It helps to visit in good weather to fully appreciate how light moves through the windows.

The 1908 organ by Faber & Greve sits in a 1620 case and carries a German imperial patent: the first manual's stops can be registered independently on either manual. Its pipework survives almost complete, with 18 stops on two manuals and pedal.