Marienkirche (Saint Mary's Church), Berlin

Berlin's Saint Mary's Church is one of the oldest in town. Its exact age is uncertain, but it was first mentioned in chronicles in 1292. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Lutheran after the Reformation in 1539 and later joined the Prussian Union of Churches.

The unassuming fusion of architectural styles somehow renders it one of Berlin's most appealing churches; its simplicity is a reminder of the city's humble beginnings. The oldest parts of the church are made of granite, while the majority of it is built of red brick, mirroring the design of the nearby Berlin City Hall. Severely damaged during World War II, Saint Mary’s was located in East Berlin after the war and was restored by East German authorities in the 1950s.

Once hemmed in by neighboring buildings, Saint Mary's now stands in solitude, casting its shadow beneath the imposing TV Tower. Outside the building is a statue of Martin Luther, with his right hand touching one of the Bible's pages as if uttering his renowned phrase, "by faith alone." Meanwhile, the church's interior – an excellent place to escape the buzz – reveals a rather austere Gothic design punctuated by notable Baroque embellishments.

Of particular note is the pulpit adorned with elaborately carved cherubs wielding trumpets and the baptismal font supported by three black dragon-shaped legs. In terms of carving and gilding, the restored organ tops it all off, and visitors can enjoy rousing recitals on Thursdays and Fridays, typically accompanied by an invitation to closely examine the 18th-century instrument.

Upon entering, brace yourself for a surprise: a 22-meter-tall frieze titled "The Dance of Death", commemorating the plague epidemics that wreaked havoc during the Dark Ages. Also inside, visitors can view the monumental tombs of a Prussian general field marshal and the founder of the world’s oldest Biblical society.

Tips:
Photography enthusiasts can find an ideal vantage point with a reflective fountain layout in the square, just behind the TV Tower, offering a perfect reflection of the church on the water's surface.