The Nikolaikirche is a Romanesque building from the 12th century, which probably belonged to the archbishop of Cologne's manor. It was later the castle chapel of the Staufer royal palace. In the early days of the town, it also served as a parish church and later for a time as a convent church for a Cistercian nunnery founded here, which was moved to Stadtilm in 1275. The church is therefore the oldest church building in the town.

After the 13th century, the building was deconsecrated and later served as a municipal granary, coach house, riding hall and sugar beet factory. In the 19th century, the Nikolaikirche became the municipal poorhouse, after which the building was used as a residential building. The only reminders of the former church building are the walled-up small arched windows on the 24-metre-long façade.