Rietberg Bible Village brings the Good Book to life

The Bible Village is situated on the outskirts of Rietberg, a small town on the upper Ems river near Gütersloh. Since opening in 2003, it has drawn thousands of visitors every year and is the only attraction of its kind in Germany that explores the major themes of the Bible.

The mission of the Bible Village is to make the fundamental biblical concepts and knowledge contained accessible to visitors through interactive installations. It offers a hands-on insight into the world of the Bible in grounds covering some 20,000 square metres, arranged in the style of a village at the time of Jesus. The site is entered via a gate, which would have fulfilled a defensive function and helped control access.

In addition to Roman houses there is also a nomads' camp with goatshair tents - divided into separate compartments for men and women - which shows how Abraham and Moses are thought to have lived. A pottery and carpenter's workshop are other attractions, while at the centre of the village are the meeting house and the synagogue, where people prayed and gave readings and sermons. The synagogue is part of an ensemble that also features a writing room, a library and a ritual immersion bath. In the village area, visitors can learn about everyday life in biblical times and about crafts in Galilee.

At Rietberg Bible Village, you can satisfy your historical and religious curiosity about the world of antiquity in a representative recreation of the biblical lands. It is possible, for example, to learn how chairs were built at the time of Jesus by having a go yourself using the tools of the age. Or you can try your hand at being a scribe, writing on clay, wax tablets and papyrus, which is how stories were passed down from one generation to the next. There is also an accompanying programme that acquaints you with the life of nomads as they wandered from place to place. Other activities include baking your own bread, laying your own mosaics and experiencing for yourself what bound people together on a day-to-day basis. Rietberg Bible Village is suitable for children. Open daily from 2pm to 6pm between April and early October, closed on Mondays, guided tours on request.



Contact:
E-Mail: info@bibeldorf.de
Internet: http://www.bibeldorf.de/