St. Anne's Church in Annaberg-Buchholz is one of Central Europe's finest examples of late Gothic hall churches — stretching 65 metres long, 40 metres wide, with a tower soaring to 78 metres. It is the unmistakable landmark of the city, visible for miles across the Erzgebirge mountains, and a treasure trove of art that spans the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

Step inside and the first thing that draws your eye upward is the extraordinary 'schlingrippen' vault — a swirling, interlaced ribbed ceiling described by art historians as the 'hero of the interior'. Three-sided galleries carry 100 relief panels carved in the early 16th century, and the 1521 Mining Altar features vivid paintings of silver-mining life that double as a remarkable piece of economic history. The atmosphere shifts beautifully with the seasons: crisp winter light makes the restored medieval colours glow, while summer afternoons flood the apse with warm, golden light.

• Annaberg-Buchholz town centre — the church stands on Große Kirchgasse, a short walk uphill from the Market Square; bus connections available, town-centre parking nearby

• The church tower is open to visitors from May to October; the viewing gallery at approx. 32 metres offers panoramic views over the town and the Erzgebirge
• On the eve of major church festivals, traditional manual bell-ringing by rope can be observed during tower opening hours
• The tower is the only church tower in Germany still inhabited by a 'tower keeper' family above the bell chamber

The church owes its very existence to silver — when rich deposits were discovered at the Schreckenberg around 1496, Duke George the Bearded founded a new town and dedicated its grand church to St. Anne, patron saint of miners, giving both the church and the city the name they carry to this day.