Neustaedter Marienkirche is a landmark building set in the heart of Bielefeld’s New Town neighborhood. Count Otto III of Ravensberg established a Gothic-style parish church here in 1293. Since then it has been enlarged and remodeled several times and served as a place of worship for both the city’s Catholic and Protestant communities. Visit the Neustaedter Marienkirche for its artwork, architecture and concerts.
This imposing stone structure has a length of a 171 feet (52 meters). Two multi-tier towers, each crowned by spires, dominate the main entrance. The church roof and spires had to be rebuilt after suffering severe damage during World War II bomb raids by the British armed forces. Walk around the church’s perimeter, note examples of Gothic windows and spot stone carvings embedded in niches.
A large central nave and vaulted ceilings characterize the classic church style of the interior. A major highlight is the Bielefeld Marienaltar, the main altar which dates back to the 1400s and is protected under the European Cultural Heritage banner. Decorating it are 31 painted panels that depict ecclesiastical themes such as heaven and earth, God and man, Jesus Christ and Mary. The panels display Bohemian, Flemish, French and Italian influences.
Visit the church to attend one of its regular live music events. On the fourth Sunday of the month the adult and children’s choir join to perform popular religious songs. There are also organ recitals and candlelit Christmas concerts.
Centrally located, the church is a short walk from many of Bielefeld’s major tourist attractions. Among these is the Kunsthalle Bielefeld art gallery, Nicolai Church, Old Market Square and Sparrenberg Castle. The nearest streetcar stop is Adenauerplatz. Limited hour parking is possible on the streets that surround the church.
Neustaedter Marienkirche is open daily and admission is free. Ask at the tourist office on Niederwall street for information about concerts and tickets.