Germany · Hamburg, St. Michael's Church

The issue belongs to the first German 2-euro series “Bundesländer”, which began in 2006. Each year, it presented one of the Länder of the Federal Republic with a characteristic building. The order was generally based on the rotating presidency of the Bundesrat. Hamburg held the presidency of this constitutional body from November 2007 to October 2008. The Bundesrat represents the Länder in the legislation and administration of the Federation as well as in matters concerning the European Union. Hamburg’s selection for the 2008 issue was thus connected with federal political considerations.

Hamburg is both a city and a Land. Its development was shaped over centuries by the port, long-distance trade and membership in the Hanseatic League. The designation “Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg” recalls the city’s self-government and trading tradition. A widely recognizable landmark was therefore a suitable motif for depicting the city-state.

Sankt Michaelis, commonly called “Michel” in Hamburg, is a Protestant principal church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Above the main portal, a group of figures depicts Michael fighting the Devil. The tower, approximately 132 metres high, defines the city skyline and long served arriving sailors as a visible landmark.

The present church building is the result of several construction and reconstruction phases. A predecessor was destroyed in the 18th century by a lightning strike and the subsequent fire. The Baroque replacement building was then constructed according to designs by Johann Leonhard Prey and Ernst Georg Sonnin. In 1906, the church was again gutted by fire during construction work. It was subsequently rebuilt, largely preserving its external appearance. Damage from the Second World War also had to be repaired later.

The building thus combines religious use, Hamburg’s urban history and the city’s perception shaped by shipping. This close local connection explains its selection within the Bundesländer series.