Marienkirche, Romanesque church in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
Marienkirche was a Romanesque church in Brandenburg an der Havel with a cross-shaped plan and four corner towers. The building measured approximately 31 by 26 meters at its base.
Built between 1222 and 1240 under Bishop Gernand, the church replaced a Wendish temple dedicated to the Slavic god Triglaw on Harlunger Hill. Its construction marked the religious transformation of the region from pagan worship to Christianity.
The church served as a pilgrimage destination where visitors came to venerate a statue of Mary that held special meaning across the region. This role changed when the Reformation transformed its religious function and appeal.
Visitors should know that the church was demolished in 1722 on orders from King Frederick William I due to its deteriorated condition and local use as a stone quarry. Nothing of the building itself remains at the site today.
Sixteen columns supported the interior and held up a central dome reaching about 18 meters high. The towers rose to about 37.5 meters and created a distinctive landmark visible across the city.
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