Bad Doberan Minster - a masterpiece of Gothic brick architecture

This 14th century Cistercian abbey church has a wealth of original features, the finest medieval furnishings of any Cistercian church in Europe. The pillar basilica is widely regarded as an important example of architecture from the Middle Ages and is one of the most beautiful high Gothic brick buildings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Bad Doberan Minster, the church of a former Cistercian abbey, was consecrated in 1369. Its unique blend of typical Gothic construction modelled on French cathedrals and style elements from other Hanseatic churches is also strongly influenced by Cistercian building principles. The abbey, founded in 1171, enjoyed great political and historical importance in the Middle Ages as well as being a centre for Christian faith in the country. The importance of the abbey was reflected in the minster itself and its interior. It houses a wealth of exceptionally well-preserved treasures of the highest artistic quality; especially outstanding are the high altar (the oldest surviving example of a winged altar), the monumental rood-screen crucifix altar and the tomb effigy of Queen Margaret Sambiria of Denmark.

 After the dissolution of the abbey in 1552, the church served as the burial place for the ruling Mecklenburg nobility and as a parish church for the Protestant-Lutheran community. Visitors to the minster never fail to be impressed by the simple but striking Cistercian architecture, by the visual impact of sunlight coming through the upper stained-glass windows and by the golden light of the evening sun pouring in through the huge West window.

Every year Bad Doberan Minster captivates hundreds of thousands of visitors; whether it be at festive church services or unforgettable wedding ceremonies, on individual visits or tours with expert guides, at prestigious religious concerts or for quiet prayer and reflection. From May until September, a concert is held at the minster every Friday A wide range of special themed tours are available all year round, including "Medieval botanical illustrations" and "The life of the Cistercian monk in Bad Doberan". Visitors are not permitted during services. 


Contact:
E-Mail: buero@kirchengemeinde-baddoberan.de
Internet: http://www.doberanermuenster.de/