We normally visit churches on account of the architecture. Sometimes we bump into a service and we would stay a little while to watch the service and to listen to the choir. These religious ceremonies have a calming effect, maybe that's due to the conditioning effect of the mind.
St Michaelis Church is described as the most beautiful church in norther Germany. I am not sure about this, but not in a position to argue because I haven't seen all the churches in northern Germany. Compared to the Baroque churches in Italy, St Michelis is not in the premier league.
On the day, there was a church fete. There were senior citizens setting up stalls for bric-a-brac and food and drink, as well as benches for visitors to have a cup of tea or coffee, a glass of wine, some cakes and home-made sandwiches. The cakes were really delicious. I observed that the pace was slow, actually very slow, but then this was not a commercial enterprise so everybody waited patiently and with good humour, including myself.
There was a VW van parked outside the church selling newspapers. Strategically placed was a basket of sweets. Searching on the internet, I found that this is a weekly Protestant newspaper. So, every church is looking for an audience.
St Michaelis Church is described as the most beautiful church in norther Germany. I am not sure about this, but not in a position to argue because I haven't seen all the churches in northern Germany. Compared to the Baroque churches in Italy, St Michelis is not in the premier league.
St Michaelis Church, Hamburg |
One of the three organs, St Micahelis Church |
The magnificent pulpit |
The magnificent altarpiece |
A choir practicing. In the background is a second organ. |
Mass appeal or niche market |