Behrenhoff village church - Brick Gothic on the Baltic Sea

The church in Behrenhoff, built between the late 13th century and 1415, is an impressive example of North German brick Gothic architecture. Particularly noteworthy are the unique medieval wall paintings in the choir, which were uncovered in 1897. Built in the Middle Ages, the church in Behrenhoff was originally a three-nave, three-bay brick basilica with buttresses. The choir was added at the beginning of the 14th century. The church underwent several structural changes over the following centuries. Worth seeing in the interior are the eight-part ribbed vault with paintings (15th century), wall paintings from the 14th century, including depictions of saints and the Fall of Man, the Last Judgement with the dragon from hell, the Coronation of Mary, John the Baptist and the twelve apostles.

Behrenhoff village church - medieval brick Gothic near the Baltic Sea

The village church of Behrenhoff is one of the most remarkable religious buildings in the hinterland of the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Built between the late 13th century and 1415, it is an impressive example of North German brick Gothic architecture - which also characterizes the townscape of nearby cities such as Greifswald and Stralsund. Originally built as a three-nave, three-bay brick basilica with buttresses, the church was given its choir at the beginning of the 14th century and underwent several structural changes over the following centuries.

Medieval wall paintings in the choir of Behrenhoff church

The interior of Behrenhoff church holds an extraordinary art-historical treasure: medieval wall paintings from the 14th century were uncovered in the choir in 1897. They show depictions of saints, the Fall of Man, the Last Judgement with the dragon from hell, the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and the twelve apostles. These paintings are complemented by an eight-part ribbed vault with paintings from the 15th century - a complete ensemble that is rarely preserved in its entirety.

Behrenhoff - excursion destination in the Greifswald region

The village of Behrenhoff is located in the Vorpommern region, not far from Greifswald and the island of Rügen. The church can easily be combined with an excursion into the surrounding cultural landscape - whether a visit to the Hanseatic city of Stralsund, a tour of Fischland-Darß-Zingst or a trip to the island of Usedom. The rural location away from the coastal towns makes Behrenhoff a quiet, authentic destination in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.