St. Mary's Church

Berlin · Germany · Kyrka · Scare 3/5

By the door stands an atonement cross for the provost Berlin's mob beat to death and burned in 1325 – and inside, Death himself dances with emperors and beggars along the church wall.

In the heart of Berlin, the medieval church of St. Mary carries the city's darkest memories. In 1325 provost Nikolaus von Bernau scolded Berliners from the pulpit for defying a papal ban – an enraged crowd beat him to death outside the church and burned his body on the Neuer Markt. The Pope placed Berlin under interdict, and only after heavy fines and the erection of an atonement cross could the city buy itself free of the curse. The stone cross still stands by the portal. In the tower hall runs a 22-metre Dance of Death from the 15th century, painted in the shadow of the plague: Death dances in pairs with pope, emperor, burgher and beggar, a reminder that no one escapes. A legend also tells of the musician who fell from the tower but was carried gently to earth by his wide cloak – the cross marks the spot.

FAQ

How scary is St. Mary's Church?

St. Mary's Church has a scare factor of 3/5 according to Haunted Places’ verified ratings.

Where is St. Mary's Church located?

St. Mary's Church is in Berlin, Germany.