The church of St John’s is one of the most iconic and atmospheric churches in the city and these days plays an important role in the cultural life of the city. A church on this spot dates back to the middle of the 14th century and the current building was left battered and bruised by the devastation of World War II. Most of its surviving artefacts were taken away and the shell stood in a precarious state for many years. Since the mid-90s though, the Baltic Cultural Centre has taken responsibility for the building and the intervening years have seen the building literally saved (it was subsiding) and the interiors repaired and in some cases regained from other churches.

Today it still serves as a church but it’s main function now is to host concerts, exhibitions, film showings and cultural workshops and gatherings. It is truly a remarkable place and well worth a visit when there is a concert playing.