"Bonte Kerke" (Marienberghausen)

Bonte Kerke translates to "Colorful Church" in High German. These mostly simple churches with their medieval ceiling paintings have survived in Germany almost exclusively in the Bergisches Land region. The churches were mostly built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Shortly after their construction, the churches were decorated with religious motifs for educational purposes, so that biblical content could be conveyed to the rural population, who were illiterate. The paintings survived the Reformation – many were supplemented over the centuries, and new images were even added.

Today, all the Bonten Kerken have been lovingly restored. In their simplicity and color, they offer a refined contrast to the often particularly opulent cathedrals and pilgrimage churches in the surrounding area.

The Protestant church in Marienberghausen differs significantly in appearance from the other medieval village churches of the Oberberg region. It is assumed that the church was built around 1200, but there is no concrete documentary evidence to definitively confirm this. Due to numerous alterations over the centuries, only the fortified tower in front of the church remains in its original form. The late Gothic wall and vault paintings were only discovered at the beginning of this century. They depict, among other things, the Last Judgment, the Annunciation, Saint George slaying the dragon, and the Temptation of Saint Anthony.


Information for groups:

We would be happy to organize a guided tour for your group at the Bonten Kerke in Nümbrecht-Marienberghausen or at several other churches. Please contact us at 02204 843042.

Group size: max. 50 people per tour
Duration: 45-60 minutes per church

Visitors can purchase a church guide that provides comprehensive information about the church, particularly regarding the murals. This guide is available in the church entrance area. 
Guided tours of the church are also offered to visiting groups. Please contact Reinhard Holländer at 0172 2038028 to arrange a tour.