Bentwisch’s soul resides within this very structure. The Dorfkirche Bentwisch stands as the village’s oldest building. Construction began shortly after 1300. Imagine the generations who have sought solace here.
The Dorfkirche Bentwisch serves as a place for celebration. It also provides space for mourning and reflection. Concerts fill this sacred space, sharing joy with the community. The church is a typical Mecklenburgian building. It features a circular graveyard and fieldstone walls. Two brick portals with battlements dating back to 1500 mark the entrances. Perched atop the village’s highest point, it’s visible from afar.
Around 1350 to 1370, the Gothic building was completed. The Dorfkirche Bentwisch is a Gothic brick structure. Its foundations rest on granite and fieldstones. A strong Gothic triumphal arch divides the vaulted chancel. The chancel is separated from the nave with its flat wooden ceiling.
Step inside and marvel at the winged altar. This carved masterpiece dates back to the mid-15th century. It originated from the same Rostock workshop. This workshop also created the altar in the Dorfkirche Toitenwinkel. The central panel depicts the crucifixion of Jesus. A crowd of figures surrounds him. Pilate points to Jesus, a remarkable detail. Faith witnesses and patron saints flank the cross. The sides display the twelve apostles. Bishops and church teachers stand at the edges. The altar’s predella features a painting of the Last Supper.
Notice the stained glass in the east wall’s pointed arch window. This artwork from the late 19th century depicts Christ. He appears as the Good Shepherd with a lamb. The Apostle Peter stands to the left with a key and book. The Apostle Paul stands to the right with a sword and book.
The wooden pulpit dates back to the Renaissance. In 1972, it was moved from its original spot. It now stands in the southeast corner of the nave. The pulpit panels display the coats of arms of the Vieregge and Weltzien families. They also show Christ and Peter. The church acquired the pews from Rostock’s Christ Church. This church was demolished in 1971.
Outside, southwest of the Dorfkirche Bentwisch, stands a wooden bell tower. It has a tent roof. The tower’s current form dates back to the 18th century. One of the original two bells remains. Johann Valentin Schultz cast it in Rostock in 1757. The other bell was likely melted down in 1916.
In 2009, the Dorfkirche Bentwisch bells rang again after extensive renovations. Imagine the sound echoing across the fields. This sound has connected generations in Bentwisch.