Marktkirche St. Nikolai, Gothic church in Hameln, Germany

Marktkirche St. Nicolai is a Gothic church on Hamelin's marketplace featuring pointed roof lines and red tile roofing visible from across the square. Inside, the space displays characteristic Gothic elements including pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and thick stone columns that create a sense of upward movement.

This church was built in the 13th century following Gothic design, but archaeological discoveries showed that a Romanesque chapel had occupied this site in the 12th century. The earlier structures were replaced, leading to the Gothic building that now stands on the marketplace.

The church is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, patron of sailors and merchants, and its west portal door of 1961 shows the church as it looked around 1200 with Nicholas's attributes. The same copper panels carry the Luther rose with the year 1542, when the Reformation reached Hamelin, and a phoenix rising from the ruined church.

The church is accessible to visitors on multiple days during the week, so check current opening times before planning a visit. Those interested in learning more about the building's architecture and history can join guided tours when available.

The tower's 1511 spire is not medieval: shot down on 5 April 1945, it fell onto the nave and the neighbouring town hall, burning both out. The church was rebuilt in 1957–1959 to Eberhard G. Neumann's plans and reconsecrated on 6 December 1959, St Nicholas's feast day.