Lorenzkirche - Church of St. Lorenz and St. Lorenz square

We got to St Lorenz church (Lorenzkirche). It stands on the square Lorenzplatz. By the location of the church, you can accurately determine the cardinal directions. Due to the fact that the altar must be oriented to the east, two 81-meter-high towers are parts of the western facade. Speaking about the historical city center, it is divided into two equal parts by the river Pegnitz. The northern part is called St. Sebald part, and we are now in the southern part of the St. Lorenz (St. Lawrence). Church of St. Lorenz was founded in the year 1235. In the 13th century the southern part of the city was growing very quickly, so it was necessary to build a big church. Choosing a patron saint did not last long: in the 13th century in Germany was incredibly popular the deed of St. Lorenz. During the persecution of Christians by the Roman pagan authorities, Lorenzo refused to give away to the Emperor the place, where the church kept treasures. Just imagine what an arduous trial he had to undergo! His was roasted on the grill! That is why Lorenzo is usually depicted with the grill, rarely with the casket. Of course, the church, consecrated in honor of such an extraordinary saint, could not be ordinary. We are speaking about one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Germany. One of the most impressive parts is a 10-meters-wide rose window (round window between the towers). Its pattern is formed by two overlapping crosses. People call it the Star of St. Lorenz. Unique is also the original glazing from the year 1360. Everybody who wants can get inside the church. The entrance to it is on the south side. The interior will surprise anyone with its wealth, not typical for the Gothic churches. The pearl of the church is a carved wooden composition Engelsgrus weighing 800 kilograms. It was made in the year 1517. The composition is hung at a low height above the floor in the chancel of the church. Inside the circle is the Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel. White dove sits on the head of St. Mary – it is the symbol of the Immaculate Conception. The statues are suspended within the encircling frame of a wreath of roses embedded with seven medallions illustrating scenes from both Mary's and Jesus' lives. Please, come out of the church. We are back again on the square Lorenzplatz. If you stand with your back to the facade with the towers, diagonally to the right you can see a corner tower house. The building was built at the end of the 13th century. This is one of the last examples of so-called "residential towers." The name Nassauer Haus is connected with King Adolf von Nassau, whose family owned numerous houses around St. Lorenz church. There's a funny fact, that the tower house was not owned by the king, but the name stack to it. Also on Lorenzplatz you can see a city fountain. The value of the fountain is his age - its present form has been preserved since the end of the 16th century! The original name is "Fountain of Virtues”, and one can understand why, you just need to see who is depicted in the sculpture: Faith with a cross and a chalice, Hope with anchor, Love with two children, Courage with a lion, Moderation with a mug, Patience with a lamb. Further our path continues along the street Königstraße towards the river Pegnitz. When you come to river, you will see a bridge – Muzeumsbrucke. It will be our next point