Marienkapelle – a highlight of Würzburg art history
The imposing Late Gothic hall church of the citizens of the Lower Market Place is considered a highlight of Würzburg art history. The construction of the Marienkapelle started in 1377 and finished in 1480 with the construction of the tower. There was a small chapel at that location before and, since the new construction did not receive the rights of a Parish church, it is still called a chapel, despite its size. Since 1437, this has also been the location of general stores.
The arches of the doors are heavily decorated. Of special interest are the figures of Adam and Eve that were created by the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The originals are now housed at the Museum für Franken at the Marienberg Fortress, the replicas at the chapel were created in 1975.
The roof and the wooden interior of the chapel burned out completely in 1945. Since then, the chapel has been restored completely. The altar features the original paintings from 1514.
Of special interest is the Silver Madonna, created in 1680 by Johann Kilian, above the altar of the north-facing nave. The naves house a number of graves of Franconian knights and Würzburg notables, such as Konrad von Schaumberg (died 1499), whose tomb was designed by Riemenschneider. A commemorative plate located at the Market Door marks the location of the grave of the great Baroque-era architect Balthasar Neumann (1687 – 1753).