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The Saint Catherine’s Church, Germany is an old Franciscan monastery that was founded in the year 1243, but was extended several times during the period of the 14th and 15th centuries. Saint Catherine’s is also known as the Kloster of St. Katharinen which is German for Convent of Saint Catherine. The Franciscan order of Saint Catherine’s Church, Germany follows the “rule” of St. Francis of Assisi. The categorization is a mendicant religious order of men. St. Katharinen Church or Saint Catherine’s Church is one of the five principal churches of immense historical significance. It is based in Hauptkirchen or Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany. Saint Catherine’s Church, Germany is the oldest preserved building in the city. It is situated on an island near what was previously known as the southern boundary of the medieval city, opposite the historic harbor area on the Elbe River. Consequently, the Saint Catherine’s Church, Germany served as the traditional church of the seamen. The earliest mention of Saint Catherine’s can be dated back to 1256. The main body, consisting of a triple nave, was reconstructed in the mid 15th century in the north German Brick Gothic style. The construction of the spire of Saint Catherine’s dates from the 13th century; the base of the dome is the oldest. The carvings on the Saint Catherine’s Church, Germany are more than a stylistic affront to the Gothic architecture. In the year 1657, a Baroque rooftop was added to the spire, thereby elevating the height of Saint Catherine’s Church to 115 meters. The church was heavily damaged in an air raid during World War II (1939 - 1948) on July 30, 1943. This left only the outer walls and the spire of the building standing. The building of the Saint Catherine’s Church was restored in the period between 1950 and 1957.
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