"Bonte Kerke" (Marienhagen)

The beautiful medieval murals in the small church were rediscovered and uncovered in 1907 during construction work. They had been whitewashed at the beginning of the 17th century during a Calvinist reformation. 

All five Bonten Kerken – meaning "Colorful Churches" in High German – require visitors to constantly look upwards. 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.

Information for groups:

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

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

Important notesGroup tours are only possible after prior registration through the municipal office. Christina Rohalj 02261-77673 or marienhagen@ekir.de