Bad Doberan Minster facts for kids

The Minster in Bad Doberan today

The Minster's roof

The Minster of Bad Doberan is a very old church in northeastern Germany, near the city of Rostock. It was once a Cistercian abbey and was officially opened in 1368. This Minster is part of the "European Street of Gothic Brick Architecture."

It was the first abbey in Mecklenburg, founded in 1171. It became a very important place for both politics and history, even serving as the burial site for the region's rulers. The monks who lived here helped Mecklenburg grow culturally and economically. The abbey also became the main center for Christianity in the area.

What makes this Minster special is that it still has so much of its original inside decorations and furniture. No other Cistercian abbey in Europe has kept so much! Some of its amazing treasures include the main altar, which is the oldest folding altar in art history, a huge cross altar, and the carved tomb of Danish Queen Margarete Sambiria.

Even after the Protestant Reformation in 1552, when the abbey was closed, the church continued to be the main burial place for the ruling Mecklenburg family. It also became the church for the Evangelical-Lutheran community.

The Minster in Bad Doberan is considered the most important medieval building in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It's a fantastic example of medieval art and building skills. The things inside are of the highest artistic quality, and no other church in northern Germany has such complete and historically important church items. Today, the Bad Doberan Minster is the main Lutheran Church in Bad Doberan.

Architecture: How the Minster Was Built

The Doberan Minster is a special mix of different styles. It combines the grand look of a Gothic cathedral, like those in France, with ideas from other churches in Hanseatic cities. It also follows some of the building rules of the Cistercian monks.

The Cistercian Order started in France in 1098. They wanted to live a simple life based on the rules of St. Benedict. A key leader, Bernard of Clairvaux, joined in the early 12th century. Their main rules were humility, poverty, and obedience. Poverty meant monks couldn't own personal things, and their churches were supposed to be plain, without many decorations.

Early Cistercian churches were simple and smooth, with few ornaments. But when the second abbey church in Doberan began construction around 1280, things had changed. The church was officially opened in 1368. By then, the strict Cistercian rules about simplicity were less important.

The monks of Doberan traveled to France and were inspired by the beautiful Gothic churches there. They brought these new ideas back and used them in their own church. Nearby cities were also building churches in the Gothic style. The local dukes, especially Duke Pribislav of Mecklenburg, also helped fund the monastery and were later buried there. The Minster became the most important burial site for the Dukes of Mecklenburg, who gave money for its continued growth.

Building the Minster was tricky because the ground was sandy and marshy, with lots of groundwater. It wasn't an easy place for such a large church! So, the foundations had to be dug very deep to make sure the building was safe and stable. Unlike other religious groups, Cistercian monks often chose remote, hard-to-reach places for their monasteries. This helped them turn wild land into farms, which made the dukes happy.

Since there wasn't much stone available, bricks were used as the main building material. These bricks were made from sand, clay, and water, then dried and baked. Each brick took about three years to make! They were quite large, about 30 cm long and weighed around 8 kilograms. The special cement used for the bricks helped them last a very long time.

The Main Altar: An Ancient Treasure

The main altar

This altar was made around 1300 by unknown artists. It's not just the oldest folding altar in Germany, but also the oldest in art history! The top and middle parts are from that time. The top shows stories from the New Testament, like the birth of Christ and the crucifixion. The middle part shows matching stories from the Old Testament.

Around 1400, a figure of Mary was moved from the center of this altar to a candle holder. A large monstrance (a container for the host) and holy pictures replaced her. Sadly, many of these treasures were lost during the 30-year war. Around 1350, the bottom row was added, showing apostles and two patron saints.

The Tabernacle: A Tall Wooden Tower

This amazing carving was built between 1350 and 1360. It looks like a giant Gothic monstrance and is probably by the same artist who made the lower part of the main altar. Made of oak, this carving is 11.60 meters (about 38 feet) tall, making it the oldest tabernacle of its kind in Germany.

A special part of the tabernacle held the host (the bread used in church services) until the abbey closed. The figures carved on it all relate to the church service.

The Chalice Cupboard: A Unique Display

The chalice cupboard (about 1300)

To the left of the tabernacle, you'll find the chalice cupboard, a truly unique piece created around 1310. It had space for 20 sets of items used in church services, like chalices and plates. This suggests the abbey church had many altars. Marks on its sides show it was originally built into a wall.

Look closely at the figures on the outside doors, showing Mary, Christ, and saints. The paintings on the inside of the doors are original and have never been retouched. They show scenes like Abel with a lamb, symbolizing Jesus's sacrifice.

The Credenza: For Church Preparations

To the left is a credenza, made around 1300. It's one of the original pieces of furniture in the Minster, carved from oak wood. It was used to prepare the items needed for the Eucharist service at the main altar.

The Levite Pews: Monk Seating

The lower parts of these pews are from the 14th century. The top canopy was rebuilt in the 19th century. These pews, which could seat three monks, were for the monk, deacon, and subdeacon who led the church service.

Ornamental Candle Holder: Honoring Mary

Above the pews hangs a beautiful candle holder with a statue of Mother Mary. This figure, from around 1280, is in a style that mixes Romanesque and early Gothic art. From 1300, she was the main statue in the middle of the main altar. Around 1400, she was moved to this newly made candle holder. Here, she is shown as an "apocalyptic Madonna," with a crown of stars, the sun, and the moon, just like in the Bible's Book of Revelation. The words "AVE MARIA" ("Hail Mary") are carved on top, showing the monks' constant prayer to Mary, their patroness.

The Eagle Lectern: Symbol of Faith

The eagle lectern in front of the main altar was made of copper in the 19th century. It's a copy of one found in another cathedral. The eagle is a symbol of Christ and how faith wins over evil. It was restored in 2002. Behind the lectern are the tombs of Duke Heinrich II and Nicolaide von Werle, covered with old mosaic tiles.

Choir Stalls: Where Monks Prayed

These choir stalls are almost 700 years old and are still in excellent condition. Built between 1300 and 1370, they were used by the monks for their seven daily prayer services. The stalls were originally placed further east, closer to the main altar. They were arranged in rows so monks on either side could sing their prayers back and forth.

The canopies above the stalls, with their detailed carved roses, are very high quality and were finished around 1380-1400. Look for the unique carvings on the pew ends, like a pelican, an eagle, lilies, and even monks. Some show the annunciation of Mary, and figures of St. Benedict and St. Bernard of Clairvaux, important leaders of monastic life.

Double-Sided Cross Altar: A Monumental Piece

This huge, double-sided cross altar, along with a tall screen called the Lettnerwand, separated the monks' choir in the eastern part of the church from the lay brothers' seating in the western part. It was likely created between 1360 and 1370. This is one of the most monumental altars of its kind in Europe. Much of it was probably finished for the church's dedication in 1368.

The western side of the altar shows Christ, while the eastern side features a shrine for relics, an altar, and the "Good Tree of Mary." The paintings on Mary's side show scenes like the annunciation and birth of Christ, along with Old Testament stories that relate to them.

The Tree of Life: A Powerful Symbol

The cross is shown as the tree of life, reminding us of Christ's words: "I am the vine and you are the branches." This idea of Christ as a life-giving, victorious tree was very important in medieval Christianity. The cross, which brought death, became a symbol of eternal life through Christ's resurrection. The pictures on Christ's side of the altar show scenes from his suffering, like him on the Mount of Olives and carrying the cross. They also show Old Testament stories that connect to these events.

Medieval Glass: Colorful Windows

In the upper window, valuable pieces of medieval glass from 1300 were put together in the 19th century. They show images of Mother Mary and John the Evangelist. The abbey started making its own glass in the 13th century, adding natural colors to the melted glass. Even though early Cistercian rules said churches should be simple, the entire abbey church had colorful windows by the 14th century. This window also shows Duchess Anastasia von Mecklenburg, who helped pay for a window.

Beneath the windows are stone tablets remembering victims of war. The church added two of these plates in 1985, 40 years after World War II ended, reminding everyone to work for peace and justice.

The Western Part of the Minster: Lay Brothers' Area

The area up to the former Lettnerwand and the cross altar was where the lay brothers (monks who did manual labor) attended church services. Their pews are mostly original and date back to around 1280. They have unique features like rounded separating walls and small Romanesque columns. The fancy canopies above them were added later, inspired by the choir stalls in the eastern part of the church.

Look for the beautifully carved pew ends. One shows an eagle with oak and fig leaves, depicting the devil trying to tempt a lay brother. The carving even has words where the devil says, "Brother, what are you doing here? Come with me!" and the lay brother bravely replies, "You will not find anything bad on me, you repulsive beast, depart from me!" Other pew ends show a pelican (symbolizing Christ's sacrifice) and a lion (representing the risen Christ). One even shows a wolf and dragon from whose mouths good things like vines grow, showing that even evil can bring forth good.

The chalice-shaped Romanesque baptismal font from the 13th century is made of limestone and came from the island of Gotland. It was originally in another church in Wismar.

Pews for the Dukes

The large western window, restored in 1996, is the biggest in the Minster. Parts of old medieval pews were used to create the pews for the dukes in the 19th century. These were placed between the monks' and lay brothers' pews, across from the pulpit.

Face of the Astronomical Clock: A Glimpse into the Past

Face of the astronomical clock

Above the western entrance, you can see the face of an astronomical clock. This clock, built in 1390, was destroyed during the 30-year war. It was designed based on the old belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. The four corners show famous ancient philosophers and astronomers.

The Granite Sarcophagus: A Duke's Resting Place

This large granite coffin belongs to Great Duke Friedrich Franz I. von Mecklenburg, who died in 1837. It took 16 years to finish and was first placed in front of the high altar in 1843. In 1976, it was moved to its current spot in the western part of the Minster. Friedrich Franz was the first Great Duke of Mecklenburg and started the first seaside health resort in Heiligendamm in 1793. He made Doberan the summer home for the dukes, bringing it much fame.

Medieval Tombstones: Stories in Stone

In the side aisle, you can see valuable medieval tombstones of abbots (leaders of the monastery). These stones were originally in the center of the church floor. After the Reformation, they were moved and later put into the side walls. In 2004 and 2005, they were carefully restored and placed against the walls, allowing air to flow around them to prevent damage. They tell the stories of many abbots who led the abbey over the centuries.

Above these tombstones are pictures of important figures from the Mecklenburg family, including Duchess Anna von Brandenburg and several dukes. You can also see pictures of Pribislav, the founder of the Doberan abbey and the first Christian ruler of this region, and Niklot, a duke of the Slavs.

The von Bülow Chapel and the Organ

The von Bülow Chapel, also called the "Room of Silence," is named after the von Bülow family, who provided many bishops for Schwerin. The paintings inside were done in 1873, as most of the older medieval paintings were lost. They show bishops, family members, and on the eastern wall, Christ on the cross with John and Mary.

In front of the chapel is the tombstone of Magister Hermann Kruse, the first Lutheran pastor who started his work in 1564. His tombstone shows him holding a chalice, which was important for the Lutheran faith at that time. This shows that the Lutheran belief was considered the proper religion.

The organ, built in 1980, is above the von Bülow Chapel. The Minster has had organs since around 1600. Today's organ is very impressive, with 3220 pipes and 44 different sounds. It's used for church services, organ recitals, and concerts, which are held every Friday from May to September. The current organ gallery was once the gallery for the House von Mecklenburg during medieval times.

The Chapel of Pribislav: A Royal Burial Place

This chapel has been the burial place and chapel for the House von Mecklenburg since 1302. It's named after Duke Pribislav, who founded the abbey and died in 1178. His remains were brought to Doberan in 1219.

Inside the chapel, there are many interesting things to see. A window from the 16th century shows Mary with Jesus, God the Father, and John the Evangelist. There's also a late-Gothic cross from 1480 and two cupboards from the 14th century. The tombstone of Magnus III, the first Lutheran bishop and administrator of Mecklenburg, is here. You can also see the tombstone of Duchess Ursula, his mother. On the wall, there's a special plaque in Latin and German for Magnus III, with the Duke's coat of arms. Nearby are memorial plates for other nobles and medieval stone slabs with animal symbols marking ducal graves.

Under the organ gallery, you can see a painting of Great Duke Friedrich Franz I. von Mecklenburg, who founded Germany's first seaside health resort. A marble coffin holds Princess Feodora von Reuß. Next to it is the tombstone of Duke Pribislav, though it's believed to be mistakenly placed on the grave of Duke Heinrich I.

Inside the archway to the organ gallery, beautiful wall paintings from the 15th century show vines and the suffering Jesus. On a pillar, there are two statues of Duke Balthasar and Duke Erich, from the time when Gothic art was changing to Renaissance. These are very high-quality artworks. Colorful tile paintings from the 14th century decorate a central column, helping to stabilize the church built in a swampy area. You can also find the tombstone of Duchess Anna von Mecklenburg here.

Mill Altar: A Unique Story

The "Mill Altar" (1410/20) is one of the first of its kind. The middle part shows a very unique picture of how God's word becomes real, or the Eucharist. Four evangelists pour God's word into a mill, which is shaped like a cross and represents Jesus. Twelve apostles power the mill, and four church fathers catch the transformed "nourishment" in a chalice, passing it on to believers. The sides show scenes from the life of St. Martin.

A scaled model of the Abbey shows what the abbey buildings looked like in 1552 when it closed. It includes the crosswalk and many other buildings. Some of these buildings, like the charnel house and grain storage, are still standing today. The abbey wall, 1400 meters long, is still mostly as it was in medieval times.

On the other side is the tombstone of Heinrich von der Lühe, restored in 2004. It has an inscription saying he was a "sincere friend of the abbey."

Tomb of Lord Samuel von Behr and the Swan Legend

The tomb of Lord Samuel von Behr (died 1621) was built by Julius Döteber. Samuel von Behr was an important advisor and mentor to Duke Adolf Friedrich, who had this memorial built to thank him.

To the right of the chapel, you'll see a swan and antlers. These remind us of the abbey's founding legend. After the first abbey was destroyed, Duke Nikolaus from Rostock looked for a new place to build. He decided the new abbey would be built where he killed the first stag during a hunt. He killed the stag right here. The monks thought the land was too wet because it was swampland. But then, a swan flew out of the bushes and shouted "dobr, dobr" (which means "good" in Slavic). The monks took this as a sign from God and decided to build the abbey there. That's why the town is called Doberan, which means "good place" in Slavic.

Queen Margarete of Denmark and Three Altars

The statue of Queen Margarete of Denmark (died 1282) is carved from oak in a late-Romanesque, early-Gothic style. It's believed to be the oldest tomb sculpture in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the oldest female sculpture in any Cistercian abbey. After her husband was murdered, Margarete traveled to Rome. She later lived in Rostock but was buried in the Minster because it was the burial place for the Mecklenburg dukes and duchesses.

Behind her tomb, you'll find the center part of the Altar of the Crucifixion of Christ (1340). It shows seven women representing the seven virtues: obedience, persistence, compassion, love, humility, justice, and peace. This rare artwork shows how these virtues fight for the human soul. The altar was renovated in 2003/2004.

The Altar of the Passion of Christ from the 14th century is only partly preserved. The Corpus Christi Altar with The Last Supper (1330) has one of the oldest painted panels in Mecklenburg. It's thought to have been in a gate chapel and is connected to holy blood relics from Doberan.

Tomb and Crypt of Duke Adolf Friedrich I

The tomb and crypt of Duke Adolf Friedrich I von Mecklenburg (died 1658) and his wife Anna Maria von Ostfriesland (died 1634) were built in 1634. This monument mixes Renaissance and Baroque styles. It's made of limestone, and the ceiling is carved wood with tiny mother-of-pearl windows. The life-size figures of the duke and duchess are carved in a Spanish style, which was popular then. After the church was looted during the 30-year war, Adolf Friedrich had the roof and furnishings repaired in 1637.

The Octagon: A Special Burial Chapel

The Octagon is an eight-sided burial chapel for 13 dukes of Mecklenburg. It was built or rebuilt in 1420, using older Romanesque columns from around 1240. Being behind the high altar, it was a very important burial spot. Notice the detailed carvings along the railing. The wall paintings in the Octagon, restored in 2004, show King Albrecht III of Sweden and several other dukes.

Tomb of Duke Albrecht III, King of Sweden

The tomb of Duke Albrecht III von Mecklenburg and King of Sweden (died 1412) is an important example of Gothic burial art. He is buried in the Octagon. His first wife, Richardis von Schwerin, is buried in Stockholm. Albrecht was chosen by Swedish nobles to be their king. After 25 years, he was defeated in battle by Danish Queen Margaret I in 1389. After that, his power was limited to Mecklenburg. The lion and dog beneath the figures on the tomb symbolize strength and loyalty. Notice the beautiful folds of Richard's dress, typical of Gothic style.

The Memorial Statue of Duke Magnus II

The memorial statue of Duke Magnus II von Mecklenburg (died 1503) is considered a very complete example of a memorial. In his right hand, he holds a dagger, and a death bandage is wrapped around his head. Magnus was a strong ruler who made important land reforms, showing he was smart about money and business. Two similar statues are in front of the Pribislav chapel.

Tomb of Duke Johann Albrecht II von Mecklenburg

The tomb of Duke Johann Albrecht II von Mecklenburg (died 1920) and his wife Elisabeth von Saxony-Weimar-Eisenach (died 1908) was created in 1910. It has a base of grey-blue Norwegian Labrador stone and a roof made of Italian marble, decorated with a beautiful glass mosaic. Johann Albrecht traveled a lot as the president of the German colonial society. The tomb's style was inspired by Byzantine buildings and Prussian architecture.

The Rear of the Levite Pews

The lower parts of the Levite pews are from the 14th century, but the canopy and back were rebuilt in the 19th century. In the display cases, you can find books, postcards, and souvenirs to buy.

Peter Wise: A Merchant's Legacy

To start your tour of the Minster, begin on the right side of the entrance in the southern wing. On the southern wall, you'll see a translation of the "Dedication Certificate" from 1368. There's also the memorial tombstone of Heinrich von der Weser and his wife, and the memorial burial plate of Peter Wise (died 1338). Peter Wise was a merchant from Lübeck and a supporter of the abbey. Above his plate is a picture and text plaque in German and Latin, mentioning his donations of three altars and showing him dressed in 14th-century fashion.

Renaissance Ducal Epitaph: Honoring the Dukes

On the western wall, there's a Renaissance-style memorial for the dukes, made of four marble plates. It was created in 1583 at the request of Duke Ulrich and his wife Elizabeth. This memorial honors all members of the House von Mecklenburg who were buried in the Minster up to that time. It's considered very special in its style and was restored in 2006.

In the southern transept, on the wall, you can also see paintings of Duke Christian Ludwig von Mecklenburg, Duke Adolf Friedrich I von Mecklenburg, and his wife Anna Maria von Ostfriesland. Below them are the tombstones of Johannes Moltke and his wife Margaretha, and Knight Heinrich Moltke and Katharina Moltke. These stones were restored in 2006. In the corner, there's a limestone pillar from the 13th century, which might have come from another part of the old abbey.

Images for kids

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  Plan of the minster

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  Part of the Romanesque building that was there before

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  Altar