So Many Steeples

 City of Hamburg with many canals, bridges, and lots of steeples.

St. Catherine's Church is one of the five principal Lutheran churches of Hamburg, Germany. The base of its spire, dating from the 13th century, is the second oldest building preserved in the city.

St. James Church

Hamburg Rathaus

Church Boat for Sailors.

St. Nikolai Church

Before July 28, 1943, there was a complete church here where the statue now stands. The church tower of St. Nicholas provided an easy target for the aerial bombs during the extensive allied air raids on Hamburg. The roof collapsed but the spire and some walls stand yet today. It was the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876. Today it is the 5th highest church steeple in the world. This Gothic Revival church brings strong meaning to the term revival as it has been revived or rebuilt several times over the years. Originally it was a wooden structure when first built in the 12th century. It was the second church built in Hamburg and the chapel was dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. The tower was erected in 1517 then burned down in 1589 then collapsed again in 1644. It was rebuilt the final time after burning down in the great fire of 1842. That was its last "revival" but the ruins remain today which should be a reminder of the devastation and suffering war brings to mankind.

This statue at the church ruins sums it all up.

If we think 2020 was a bad year, lose that thought.