The base of its spire, dating from the 13th century, is the second oldest building preserved in the city, after the lighthouse on Neuwerk island. It is situated on an island near what was formerly the southern boundary of the medieval city, opposite the historic harbour area on the Elbe river. It traditionally served as the church of the seamen.

History
The earliest attestation to the existence of the church dates back to 1256. The main body, consisting of a triple nave, was rebuilt during the mid-15th century in the north German Brick Gothic style. In 1657 a Baroque rooftop was added to the spire, which thus reached a height of 115 meters. The construction of the adjacent Speicherstadt and associated relocation of 20,000 people in the 1880s brought a substantial change to its parish.

The church was mostly destroyed in an air-raid during World War II, on 30 July 1943, that left only the outer walls and the base of the spire standing. The building was restored between 1950 and 1957, and again between 2007 and 2012.