This is Saint Nikolai Kirke. It's very tall (hence the crooked photo without the bottom half of the church), and very old. It's the oldest standing building in Kiel, as most of the city was bombed by the allies near the end of WWII. As Hermann, one of the German students helping us out said on the tour, happily "not many people died, just the buildings." It was just a statement.
In fact, sometimes it seems that the only shadow left from the war is the missing buildings, which have been replaced by "wonderful 60s architecture," or so they joke. Instead, it's like the people's hearts have been filled with love for each other and for the future. They are endlessly hopeful and accepting. In fact, this once Catholic church is now open to anyone who wants to worship - it's called an "open church," and there are meetings and concerts here.
The stained glass windows, which were bombed out, have been replaced by modern expressionist pieces, to draw the youth in. They are blue and aqua-toned, reflecting the world here, which is all sky and sea.
And if you need proof that these people are forgiving and accepting, just check out what is in this once-very-Catholic church....
It's a GUTENBERG PRESS reproduction. My inner bookworm did a jig when it saw this. I love Martin Luther, and Gutenberg! :) Thank you, your awesomenesses.
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