Thursday, October 14, 2021

GERMANY ~ St. Michael's Church - Hamburg ~

... Nice view of a beautiful baroque-style church and landmark of the city... it was the first church in Hamburg built after the Reformation, and was not only the newest and the largest, but also the first Evangelical Lutheran church without a Catholic past... the most impressive attribute of the church is its 106-metre high observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hamburg... the tower is also home to an 8-meter big clock, making it the largest turret clock of Germany... this church is also tied to one of Hamburg’s oldest traditions... every day for more than 300 years, a tower warden plays a trumpet chorale from the church tower to the north, south, east and west... once upon a time their music was a sign for the opening and closing of the city gates... every year more than a million people go through its doors... with as always a great special postmark... Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿ ♥‿♥)


In the three centuries since the church was first erected, it has been completely destroyed multiple times.The first church of St. Michaelis was completed in 1685. 

Half a century later, in 1750, the church was struck by lightning and burned down.

In 1906 another fire, this time caused by a blow lamp in the wood tower, completely destroyed the building. Between 1906 and 1912 a third church was built using the old plans but, this time, reinforcing the construction with steel and concrete.

Just 30 years later severe damages were caused by air raids during the Second World War. Again, St. Michaelis persevered. 

The church was reconsecrated in 1952 and has since undergone complete restoration.

Photo: Chris Seba

 

Stamp:

Treasures of Philately – Bordeaux Letter 
(Issued 02-09-2021)

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