St. Martin's Church, Landshut

The Church of St. Martin in Landshut is a medieval church in the German city located in the state of Bavaria. St. Martin's Church, along with Trausnitz Castle and the celebration of the Landshuter Hochzeit (wedding), are the most important landmarks and historical events of Landshut. This Brick Gothic landmark is the tallest church in Bavaria, and the tallest brick building as well as church in the world. It is also the 2nd tallest brick structure in the world (after Anaconda Smelter Stack), made without steel supports. St. Martin's church has a height of 130.6m.HistoryIn the year 1204, the town of Landshut was founded by Duke Louis I, Duke of Bavaria the Kelheimer. He established Castle Trausnitz and built a small church on the site of the present-day St. Martin's Church. That structure was superseded by building the existing church, which began in 1389. It took about 110 years to finish the church. During this period, five architects managed the building site. It took 55 years just to build the tower. The church was finally dedicated in 1500.FeaturesThe choir elbow cross of 1495 has an overall length of 8 m . The crucifix is one of the largest of the late Gothic period. The body was carved from a lime tree trunk and has a length of 5.80 m and an arm width of 5.40 m . Made by Michael Erhard, it was installed in 1495.