The Church of Saint Nicolas located in the district of the same name, dates from the 13th century and is therefore the oldest building of Berlin.  There is a striking contrast between its massive granite entrance which is more like a fortress keep and its nave which in contrast, is built of brick with large openings. In short, it is an amazing mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as was frequently the case in the Middle Ages when construction work often spanned several decades. What is particularly surprising though is the total lack of sculpture on the façade. Instead there is a kind of architectural purity unspoilt by low reliefs or statues. This is an interesting building to visit during a stroll through the lovely Nicolaï District.