HAUPTKIRCHE SANKT JACOBI (CHURCH OF SAINT JACOBI)

The Church of St. James is one of Hamburg's five Hauptkirchen, one of the city's great historic churches. An example of northern Gothic red brick, it was erected as a three-aisled church between 1350 and 1400, but its existence is first mentioned in 1255. A fourth nave was added in the 15th century. It lost some of its character with the destruction of the Second World War, but has been restored in the original style. Catholic until Martin Luther's Reformation, it became a Protestant parish in 1529, when Hamburg converted to Protestantism. The church of St. James is located on the route to Santiago de Compostela.

The altarpiece of the Trinity altar (1518) in the center of the choir is carved from oak and almost completely covered with gold. It depicts the joys of the life of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Hamburg.

The altarpiece of St. Peter's altar (1508), to the right of the choir, in the first nave (the baptistery), depicts the Virgin with the Child Jesus. She is surrounded by Saint Peter and Saint Gertrude.

The organ. More than 4,000 pipes make up this beautiful organ built by Arp Schnitger in 1693, making it one of the most important organs of the baroque period in Europe. It was completely restored between 1983 and 1993. Organ concerts are given regularly in the church, especially on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. The organ is located between the North and South chapels and is highlighted by 34 biblical scenes by the Hamburg painter Otto Wagenfeldt. Their brownish tones show influences of Rembrandt and Rubens. This local painter of the 17th century did not become famous and his work seems to have been limited to commissions for the city of Hamburg.

The stained glass windows in the choir and baptistery date from 1961. They were created by the German artist Carl Crodel. In the choir, they represent the great liturgical feasts (Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Pentecost...). In the baptistery, they illustrate the theme of baptism.

The sumptuous alabaster, marble and sandstonepulpit at the foot of the first pillar of the north aisle is the work of the sculptor Georg Baumann. The scenes on the pulpit represent the Annunciation, the Birth of Christ, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension.

A wooden sculpture of St. James is located on the left side of the choir. The saint is recognizable by his pilgrim's outfit.