St. Johanniskirche

St. John’s Church is one of the most beautiful examples of the North German Brick Gothic. In the 8th century, the oldest settlement Modestorpe was located here with a baptistery and mission church. Its first construction phase began in 1300, making St. John one of the oldest baptisteries of Lower Saxony. The massive tower, re-erected after a fire in 1406, measures 108.71 metres. When you look up you will see that – yes - the tower is lopsided! The subgrade subsided, resulting in an inclination of 2.20 metres. A persistent legend is going around that the master builder killed himself because of this mistake.

A tower brass musician plays a choral each working day at 9AM, sounding above the roofs of Lüneburg. This tradition originates from the Thirty Years’ War. Back then, the salt masters swore to thank god every morning if the city would be spared.

When you enter the up to 22meter-high nave of this hall church, the psalm “…you have put my feet in a wide place” becomes reality. Prior to the reformation, 100 clergymen served 41 altars. Scenes on the central altar of the choir loft depict the sufferings of Christ. From up there you have a good view of the impressive organ with about 4,500 pipes, which has “grown” over the years. Apart from the magnificent candelabra of St. Mary, the rare host casket in the form of a little church, as well as the baptistery donated by the “Sülfmeister”, a lot of other unique church treasures can be discovered. It you have the time, join a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable church ladies