Nikolaikirche, Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; Shutterstock ID 120954490; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Northern Germany destination page

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Nikolaikirche

Top choice in Coastal Mecklenburg – Western Pomerania


This masterpiece of medieval architecture dates to 1270 and is modelled on Lübeck's Marienkirche. Its interior is awash with colour and is filled with art treasures. The main altar (1708), designed by the baroque master Andreas Schlüter, shows the eye of God flanked by cherubs and capped by a depiction of the Last Supper. The main portal of is reached via an entrance off the Alter Markt.

Also worth a closer look are the sculpturally rich rich high altar (1470), 6.7m wide and 4.2m tall, showing Jesus' entire life, and, behind the altar, a 1394-built (but no longer operational) astronomical clock.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Coastal Mecklenburg – Western Pomerania attractions

1. Rathaus

0.02 MILES

Seven copper turrets and six triangular gables grace the red-brick Gothic facade of the splendid 1370 Rathaus. The upper portion of the northern facade,…

2. Alter Markt

0.03 MILES

Stralsund's main square is a hub of its architectural treasures.

3. Welterbe Ausstellung Stralsund

0.03 MILES

This small but excellent exhibition celebrates Stralsund's listing (along with Wismar) as a Unesco World Heritage-listed site. Information is in German…

4. Wulflamhaus

0.06 MILES

A beautiful 15th-century town house named after an old mayor, the turreted step gable imitates the Rathaus facade across the square.

5. Külpstrasse 5

0.09 MILES

This fine example of a restored gabled facade is notable for the fact that a small reconstruction of the original has been left exposed high on the wall.

6. Johanniskloster

0.13 MILES

The restored Johanniskloster, a ruined former Franciscan monastery, is a peaceful corner of town. Immediately west is a courtyard surrounded by small…

7. Meeresmuseum

0.24 MILES

The Meeresmuseum aquarium is set in a 13th-century convent building. Exhibits include a very popular sea turtle tank and polychromatic tropical fish.

8. DDR Miniatur Farhzeug Museum

0.26 MILES

This cute little museum is devoted to miniature versions of all manner of vehicles from the former East Germany, all laid out in a miniature town.