Ruins of the Nikolai Chapel

St. Nicholas Chapel in Hanover was built between 1250 and 1284 and is considered the city’s oldest surviving building. It was originally located outside the city walls to serve as a leper chapel to prevent the spread of infection. In 1325, a Gothic choir was added, and the chapel was named after Saint Nicholas. It was first mentioned in a document in 1284 as the “leper chapel outside the city.” In the 16th century, the chapel gained fame through a miraculous image of the Savior. The image was presumably destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1664, the chapel became a destination for people from the surrounding area who buried their dead there. In 1824, the adjacent annex belonging to the chapel was demolished. Beginning in 1864, it served as a place of worship for the newly founded congregation of Nordstadt. In 1869, St. Nicholas Chapel was leased to the English congregation and renovated by Conrad Wilhelm Hase. After World War I and the dissolution of the English congregation, the chapel was used by various free church congregations until World War II. Today, St. Nicholas Chapel is in ruins and is protected as a historic monument.

For more information about St. Nikolai Cemetery, click here

© HMTG

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