Marien Church - left transept
The only medieval church in Berlin that still hosts worship services is the Marien Church (St. Marienkirche). The Marien Church is the second oldest parish church in Germany's capital. One of the most important, preserved medieval works of art of Berlin represents the dead dance fresco in the tower hall of the church. The wall picture spans 22.6 meters long and 2 meters high. The picture, titled ìDance of the Dead,î depicts worldly representatives in a step dance that takes the shape of death. The picture dates back to 1484. At one point, in 1730, the painting was nearly lost after being whitewashed over. It was luckily rediscovered in 1860 and can be seen today in its entirety. While the exact timeframe of the building's construction is unknown, it is first mentioned in 1292 as a parish church. It is said to have been built by boulders and granite over which a church hall made from red brick was erected. The tower has since been renovated after a fire in the 1600's. Today, the church serves as center for critical church events. It hosts ecumenical religious services and church musical events. The church is known for embracing different religions. The late Martin Luther King once preached at the establishment.
