Pack your bags for a day trip to Brandenburg an der Havel. There, you’ll discover St. Gotthardt Church —the city’s oldest place of worship, founded as early as 1140.
Anyone who thinks old ruins are just for stuffy history lessons is sorely mistaken. This striking building in the heart of the historic old town offers the perfect blend of impressive architecture and curious treasures that will amaze even those with little interest in culture.
St. Gotthardt Church in Brandenburg an der Havel: Romanesque grandeur meets airy late Gothic
When you stand on Gotthardtkirchplatz, a forbidding tower rises before you. At first glance, the Romanesque westwork looks more like a fortified castle than a peaceful church.
But as soon as you step through the portal, the atmosphere changes abruptly. Inside, a bright, spacious late-Gothic hall church opens up before you. This stark contrast in architectural style is what makes the tour so fascinating.
Must-see masterpieces
A very special treasure awaits you in the church’s historic baptistery: the famous unicorn tapestry, which is believed to date from the 15th century. This masterpiece of weaving, approximately 5.5 meters long, depicts a scene featuring a hunting party and a young woman gently cradling a unicorn’s horn.
To this day, experts cannot say with certainty where the vividly colored tapestry comes from or what its enigmatic symbolism exactly means. Following an extensive restoration, you’ll be able to admire this valuable piece in a special climate-controlled display case starting in 2026.
Named one way, but famous under another
Equally spectacular is the late Romanesque bronze baptismal font from the 13th century. The ornate basin is supported by four cast male figures, while small lion heads on the upper rim stand guard to “ward off demons.” It ranks among the most valuable artistic treasures in the entire Mark Brandenburg.
This is where Vicco von Bülow was baptized—a man we know today primarily by his stage name, Loriot!
The famous Renaissance altar from 1559 (the first Reformation altar in the Mark of Brandenburg) and the historic triumphal cross are also real eye-catchers.
Goosebump-inducing sounds and a turbulent history
Be sure to turn around one last time as you leave and look up at the organ loft. The church’s original, famous Wagner organ was unfortunately destroyed in a tragic fire in 1972.
But today, a massive, modern Schuke organ sits there, producing a sound that truly gets under your skin. It’s best to check the church’s calendar in advance. If you happen to catch a concert, you’ve hit the jackpot.
(A quick tip: But if you absolutely want to see and hear a historic Wagner organ from 1727, just stroll on over to the nearby St. Katharinenkirche!)
How to get to St. Gotthardt Church in Brandenburg an der Havel
By public transit, take the RE1 train, and after about a 45-minute ride plus a short walk, you’ll find yourself right in front of the entrance. By car, you can cruise leisurely along the B1 or A2 and get there in about an hour.
📍 Gotthardtkirchplatz, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel
📆 Open daily, usually 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (in winter, sometimes not until 11:30 a.m. or noon)
⏳ About 30 minutes for the church; afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town
💵 Free admission (donations toward preservation are always welcome)
ℹ️ More info
