The late Gothic church was built around 1450 and contains a precious late Gothic altar donated by the Kudorf and Waltheym families. The chancel is said to have been built as early as 1193, which would make it one of the oldest church buildings in the region.

Until 1736, the Marienkirche belonged to the parish of Gera as a filial church. From 1802 to 1854, it also served as a garrison church for the Prussian military. In 1882, to accommodate the rapidly growing population of Untermhaus, it was extended to the west, with two small towers in the neo-Gothic style added to the west facade.