Marienkapelle (St. Mary's Chapel), Wurzburg

Saint Mary's Chapel graces the Market Square as a splendid example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14th century. Despite its sizable presence, the chapel holds the status of a chapel, lacking a parish of its own.

This Gothic gem, like many structures in Würzburg, faced significant damage during the Bombing of Würzburg in World War II. Flames devoured its interior, prompting extensive reconstruction efforts in the 1950s. The chapel was ultimately re-consecrated in 1962, reclaiming its role as a spiritual and cultural landmark.

Among its notable features, Saint Mary's Chapel housed two renowned sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider, depicting Adam and Eve. Although these masterpieces now reside in the Mainfränkisches Museum, faithful reproductions have taken their place within the chapel. The church also serves as the final resting place of the esteemed Baroque architect Balthasar Neumann.

Architecturally, Saint Mary's Chapel presents a captivating fusion of a basilica and a hall church, a style prevalent in late-Gothic design. Its three aisles and five bays, with the middle aisle only slightly elevated, create a harmonious spatial arrangement. Octagonal pillars support the roof, and the eastern choir extends over three bays.

The chapel boasts three distinctive Gothic portals, each telling a visual story. The southern portal, known as Bridal Portal, flanked by sculptures of Adam and Eve, features a tympanum depicting the Coronation of the Virgin with Saints Barbara and Katharina. The western portal, Goldene Portal, crafted post-1430, showcases a tympanum depicting the Last Judgment. The northern portal from the early 15th century narrates the Annunciation.

The crowning glory of Saint Mary's Chapel is its towering gold-covered Madonna, soaring 72 meters above the market square. Despite surviving the bombing unscathed, this iconic statue endured damage from repeated strafing by Allied aircraft during the city's later conflicts. Post-war reconstruction meticulously restored this masterpiece, showcasing the Madonna and globe at its feet at a height of 5.75 meters and a weight of around 1,200 kg.