Liebfrauenkirche, Medieval church in Jüterbog, Germany

The Liebfrauenkirche is a three-naved brick basilica in Jüterbog, first built in 1161 and reconsecrated in 1183 after the Wendish revolt of 1179. In 1225 a transept with two absidal altars was added, and around 1480 the Gothic choir was built. Since 1282 the church has been part of the Cistercian convent Zum Heiligen Kreuz, and a Baroque timber-framed tower was added in 1789.

Archbishop Wichmann von Seeburg commissioned the construction of this church in 1161, making it the second oldest preserved church in Brandenburg. Subsequent transformations over the centuries show changes in style and function.

The sandstone pulpit dates from 1575 and carries what are held to be the earliest depictions of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon on a church pulpit. The two reformers appear as painted figures, placing the church's furnishing at the centre of the Reformation in Jüterbog, a town that became Protestant early.

The Liebfrauenkirche stands in the Damm quarter of Jüterbog, a short walk from the town centre and its market square. The baroque timber-framed tower of 1789 rises above the brick nave and serves as a landmark when approaching on foot. Allow time to walk around the building to see the gothic choir and the transept with its two absides.

The church interior houses an organ built by Joachim Wagner in 1737 that survives today in its original form. This instrument preserves the musical characteristics of past generations and makes it significant for music historians.