The whispers of the past can be heard in the very stones of St. Godehard Kirche in Kessin. Standing here, you can almost feel the echoes of centuries gone by. This charming church, built in the 13th century, has witnessed it all.
St. Godehard Kirche is a beautiful example of German Gothic architecture. It’s a single-nave church with a recessed, one-bay choir and a western tower. The choir, completed in 1269, is mostly built from fieldstone with brick arches and an eastern gable. The unique design includes two rows of pointed, blind arches over a double German band, surmounted by a built-in cross. Step inside, and you’ll be captivated by the eight-part ribbed vaulting, a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
The church was originally a Romanesque structure, but the long hall was rebuilt around 1360, making it purely Gothic. One of the most fascinating features of St. Godehard Kirche is its history of rebuilding and restoration. In 1885, the church’s wooden steeple was destroyed by lightning and fire. But the townspeople were resilient. They rebuilt the tower in the neo-Gothic style it retains today.
Look closely at the church’s walls. During restoration work in 1977, frescoes were discovered dating back to the building of the choir. These exquisite frescoes depict floral motifs, crosses, and stars. The church was damaged again during World War II. However, the people of Kessin rebuilt it once more, preserving its rich history.
St. Godehard Kirche is still an active church. The altar, which dates back to 1979, features a dramatic triumphal cross flanked by figures of Mary and St. John from the 15th century. These figures were originally placed on a beam in the choir archway, but they were moved when the ceiling was replaced.
The two sculptures of Bishop Godehard and the Madonna and Child in the nave add to the spiritual ambiance. Both figures were originally painted. St. Godehard Kirche is a place of quiet contemplation and beauty, but it’s alive with the vibrancy of history. The church’s bell, salvaged from a church in Rostock destroyed in the war, was destined for the scrap yard for war materials but was instead saved. It’s a symbol of resilience and hope.
Take a moment to feel the energy of this place, the history stored within its walls. Imagine the lives that have been touched inside St. Godehard Kirche. Now, let’s continue our journey.