The first church on this site was a smaller, Romanesque predecessor built at the end of the 12th century. At that time, however, it was called "Maria in palude" (Mary in the swamp).
The foundation stone for today's parish church of St. Maria zur Wiese, also known as the "Wiesenkirche", which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful High Gothic hall churches in Germany, was laid in 1313. An inscription names Johannes Schendeler as the first master builder. Master Porphyrius brought the church construction to a provisional conclusion in 1529/30. However, it was not until 1846 to 1876 that the towers were erected and the building was completed in 1882. Unfortunately, the green sandstone from Soest that was used proved to be unsuitable. In 1987, a large-scale renovation had to be started in the form of the complete renewal of the outer skin of the tower shafts.
The necessary scaffolding will probably continue to characterize the appearance of the church for years to come. In the three-nave, three-bay hall church typical of Westfalen, the nave is equally wide, long and high. The lightness of the construction is emphasized by the light-flooded interior of the church.
The windows of the choir contain the most important stained glass windows of the 14th century in Westfalen. The Wiesenkirche is also famous for the "Westphalian Last Supper", which was created around 1500. This window depicts Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper with beer, Westphalian ham, schnapps, pig's head and pumpernickel. A wealth of other treasures can be seen in the church interior.
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