Herrgottskirche

The Herrgottskirche stands in Creglingen, a town in the Tauber valley. Built in the late 14th century as a chapel for pilgrims, it was later turned into a place of remembrance for local rulers. The church has a single nave and a narrow polygonal choir with five sides, topped by a small bell tower. The church holds Tilman Riemenschneider’s famous Marienretabel, one of his most celebrated works. The altarpiece is nine metres tall and shows the Assumption of Mary surrounded by the twelve apostles. Every 25 August, sunlight from the west window lights up the scene, recreating the moment of Mary’s ascent. Visitors find richly carved portals on three sides, each framed with figures and tracery. Inside, side altars and medieval glass panels add to the craftsmanship. The churchyard contains old gravestones, while outside a spiral stair leads to a balcony once used to display relics to pilgrims.