St. Blasii, Gothic church building in Nordhausen, Germany
St. Blasii is a Gothic church with two asymmetrical towers on its western facade, blending late Romanesque and early Gothic design elements. The interior features a three-aisled hall church layout with a chancel and maintains its original spatial divisions.
The building was first documented in 1234 and underwent major reconstruction around the 15th century's end, giving it the shape seen today. The western towers from the earlier period survived these changes and remain standing.
The church is dedicated to Saint Blaise and belongs to the Protestant parish of Nordhausen. Since 1524, when Johann Spangenberg became its first Protestant preacher on Martin Luther's recommendation, it has been the town's main parish church. Two bronze plaques on the south facade commemorate Spangenberg, Hans Reinicke and mayor Michael Meyenburg, all buried here in the 16th century.
The south tower leans noticeably northward because the church stands on gypsum karst rather than solid rock, unlike the cathedral. Two bronze plaques on the south facade commemorate Johann Spangenberg, Hans Reinicke and Michael Meyenburg. The organ, built by the Schuster firm, was dedicated in 1991.
The two west towers have differed in height since 1634, when lightning struck the north tower and its spire burned; on rebuilding it received no pointed helm. The south tower leans noticeably north because the ground is gypsum karst, not solid rock as at the cathedral.
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