Martinskapelle

Martinskapelle is a stone chapel in Meissen built on a hill where two rivers converge, with rough masonry walls and a rounded apse. Inside, it holds religious furnishings and artwork from different periods, including galleries added during later renovations.

Built as a Romanesque structure in the 12th century, the chapel suffered major damage during the Hussite Wars. A thorough restoration in 1437 repaired the damage, while the 17th century brought interior upgrades including new ceilings and galleries.

The chapel displays a winged altar from 1500 and a pulpit from 1516, reflecting the craftsmanship of medieval artisans. These furnishings show how people decorated their sacred space and what religious practices mattered to them.

The chapel sits on a hillside near the old town and is accessible from the north side via a stone entrance. Plan for some climbing and wear sturdy shoes, as the path involves uneven ground and elevation changes.

Original Romanesque windows survive on the north wall, offering rare glimpses of 12th-century building techniques. Arches discovered in 1981 suggest a former west tower that vanished long ago.