St. Nikolai, Kiel
St.-Nikolai-Kirche
Kiel's oldest building, a 13th-century brick Gothic church, with Ernst Barlach's sculpture The Spirit Fighter out front.
St. Nicholas Church stands on the Old Market Square (Alter Markt) and dates from the 13th century. It is the only surviving medieval building in Kiel's old town, though it was badly damaged in World War II and later rebuilt. Inside are a 15th-century triumphal cross, and a 16th-century baptismal font and altar. On the north side, outside, stands Ernst Barlach's bronze sculpture The Spirit Fighter (Der Geistkämpfer). The Nazis labeled the work “degenerate art” and removed it, and after the war it was returned to its place. Entry is free, and the church is open during the day. It stands at the northern end of Holstenstrasse, the pedestrian shopping street, so it is an easy detour while strolling.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Kiel Maritime Museum
- Zoological Museum of Kiel University
- Kiel City Hall
- Kunsthalle zu Kiel
- Kiellinie
- Botanical Garden of Kiel University
- Kiel Canal Holtenau Locks
- Open-Air Museum Molfsee