St. Martin's Church

The Church of St. Martin in Landshut is a Brick Gothic landmark of Landshut. It is the tallest church in Bavaria, and the tallest brick building and church in the world.

In the year 1204, the town of Landshut was founded by Duke Louis I, Duke of Bavaria. He established Castle Trausnitz and built a small church on the site of the present-day St. Martin's Church. Construction of the current church began around 1389, under the architect Hans von Burghausen. It took about 110 years to finish the church. During this period, five architects managed the building site. It took 55 years just to build the tower. The church was finally dedicated in 1500.

The choir elbow cross of 1495 has an overall length of 8 m. The crucifix is one of the largest of the late Gothic period. The body was carved from a lime tree trunk and has a length of 5.80 m and an arm width of 5.40 m. Made by Michael Erhard, it was installed in 1495.

Other important works of art in the church include the high altar, the hexagonal pulpit carved from a single stone, and the 'rose wreath/ring Madonna' (about 1520), created by Hans Leinberger and considered one of his most important works of art.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Martinsfriedhof 220, Landshut, Germany

Details

Founded: 1389-1500
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)