In the middle of Hamburg鈥檚 city centre, St. Jacobi stands towering above the 惭枚苍肠办别产别谤驳蝉迟谤补蝉蝉别 shopping street. The imposing gothic building dates back to as early as 1255. At the time, St. Jacobi was still a small chapel outside the city walls of Hamburg, lining the pilgrim鈥檚 route towards the grave of the martyr and church鈥檚 namesake St. James. Just a stone鈥檚 throw away, St. Petri is yet another representative of the city鈥檚 five major churches, dedicated to St. Peter.聽聽
Guided Tours聽
Next to regular free guided tours through the interior of the church, several themed tours go in-depth on topics such as organ mechanics or the church鈥檚 art treasures. While few organs in the world can rival St. Jacobi鈥檚 in terms of size and state of conservation, the art treasures comprise a total of three medieval winged altars as well as a well-known painting by Joachim Luhns, depicting the city of Hamburg in 1681. The regular choir and organ recitals as well as changing special exhibitions in the southern nave offer all the more reasons to pay a visit to St. Jacobi.聽
Cafe in the Belfry聽
After massive destruction in WWII, the tower was remodelled after its medieval original. Only the tower received a more modern look. With a total height of 124.5 metres, it is widely visible as part of the Hamburg skyline. Located beautifully in the steeple, a cafe serves hot beverages and cake on every first Saturday of the month between May and October.聽
