Börnicke

Tucked within a gentle valley lies Börnicke, a village steeped in history. Börnicke officially became part of Bernau in 2003. Its story begins much earlier though. A document from 1300 marks the first mention of this charming Angerdorf, or “village green” settlement. At the heart of Börnicke stands its church, a testament to the passage of time. The late Romanesque granite block structure dates back to the mid-13th century. Construction took decades. Imagine the dedication and craftsmanship involved in such an undertaking. The church holds more than just stones and mortar. Inside, you can find apostle paintings commissioned by Obrist Wolmir von Wrangel. He acquired the Börnicke estate in 1679 after the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War. These unique paintings adorn the chancel arch. They are a rare sight in Brandenburg, a silent echo of a turbulent past. The church’s other furnishings, including the window openings, date from 1883. Wrangel’s influence extended beyond the church. He revived the village, repopulating farms and ensuring the education of the village children in a half-timbered building between the church and the shepherd’s house. Near this spot, a “Gerichtslinde,” or court linden tree stands. Under its branches, the lord of the manor had to “buy himself free” during harvest festivals. This very spot may have witnessed villagers voicing their grievances to the patron’s representative, as recorded in the church chronicle. Over the centuries, the Börnicke estate changed hands several times. In 1892, Ernst Mendelssohn Bartholdy, a prominent banker and descendant of philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and nephew of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, acquired the estate. The family was ennobled in 1896. Ernst’s son, Paul, commissioned architect Bruno Paul to remodel the Börnicke manor house before World War I. Paul’s design seamlessly blended architecture, art, and nature, transforming the manor and its surrounding park. The Mendelssohn Bartholdy family, being Protestant, also assumed patronage of the village church. Their family grave, a poignant reminder of their connection to Börnicke, rests near the church tower. After World War II, the manor house served various purposes. From 1967 to 1992, it housed a kindergarten, school, and boarding school for physically disabled children, requiring significant interior modifications. Today, Börnicke is a vibrant village. The “KulturGut e.V. Börnicke” association promotes cultural activities, hosting cinema events, workshops, and Advent markets by the village pond. The annual Stork Festival in May celebrates the 88 young storks that have hatched and fledged from the nest atop the distillery’s chimney since 1958. The “Förderverein Schloss und Gutshof Börnicke e.V.,” founded in 2003, focuses on developing the manor house, estate, and park. A blacksmith, carpenter, and two painters have established their workshops on the estate grounds. Börnicke is more than just a village. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, resilience, and artistic spirit. From the ancient stones of its church to the revitalized manor house, Börnicke offers a captivating glimpse into a rich and layered past.