This church dates back to Berlin’s medieval beginnings. It’s now one of the city’s great museums.
Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas’ Church) is the oldest church in Berlin and crowns the Nikolaiviertel (St. Nicholas’ Quarter), a medieval village in Berlin’s central district of Mitte. Visit Nikolaikirche and learn about its medieval history. Admire the architecture of the original Romanesque basilica and its late-Gothic additions. The church dates back to about 1230.
Visit Nikolaikirche during a stroll around Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s oldest district. The church and quarter were established when Berlin had just received its city charter. Walk around the outside of the church and try to identify the various architectural styles. The original stone basilica included the fortified west tower. The Marienkapelle (Chapel of the Virgin Mary) was built in 1452. Gaze up to the church’s distinctive tower with its two tall spires, added in 1876.
Explore inside the Nikolaikirche, which became a museum in 1987, to find ornate furnishings and late-medieval paintings. The permanent exhibition, From the Base of the City to the Double Spire, will give you insight into the history of the church and the Nikolaiviertel area. The church was badly damaged in World War II and many of the original furnishings were lost or required extensive restoration.
Come to Nikolaikirche during one of its regular evening concerts to enjoy musical and choral recitals. Details of upcoming events can be found at the church.
Nikolaikirche is a 10-minute walk from Alexanderplatz. Come by bus, train or on foot. The church is open daily and there is a fee for admission. Enter for free on the first Wednesday of the month.
Enjoy an afternoon in Nikolaiviertel and stop by one of the district’s cafés for a German-style latte macchiato and a slice of apple strudel.
