St. Michaelis is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Northern Germany. The origins of the church go back to the year 1600. The tall tower of the »Michel«, as it is called, is the first thing which seamen can see when they are approaching the city on the river Elbe. Therefore it has been the town’s landmark for centuries. On top of the tower there is an observation deck at a height of 82 meters. The building itself is also an attraction, being the biggest church in Hamburg and offering 2500 seats. Every year, about one million tourists visit the church, the tower and the crypt.