St. Michael's Church & Great Steps
St. Michael und Große Treppe
A late Gothic hall church towering over the market square. Its 53 broad steps are the town's emblem and an open-air stage.
St. Michael's Church was founded in the 12th century. Its surviving late Gothic hall church was remodeled between 1427 and 1527 and features finely crafted net vaulting, a 15th-century crucifix altar and numerous tombstones of the city's nobles. The 53 broad, fan-shaped steps in front of the church have hosted an open-air play every summer since 1925, making it one of Germany's most famous open-air theaters. For a small fee you can climb the bell tower for views over the old town of red-tiled half-timbered houses and the Kocher valley. Grandstands are set up on the steps during performances, and visiting hours may change.
Opening hours
About 9:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; restricted during services)
Nearby sights
- Marktplatz & Town Hall
- Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum
- Haalplatz & Sulferturm
- Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall & Globe Theatre
- Kocher Covered Bridges & Riverfront
- Kunsthalle Würth
- Johanniterhalle (Würth Old Masters)
- Großcomburg