"Bonte Kerke" (Müllenbach)

The Bonten Kerken – or "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.

The "Bonte Kerke" (Bonte Church) in Marienheide-Müllenbach is an old fortified church that was built in several phases. A small chapel is believed to have previously stood on the same site. The first phase of construction of the church, which still stands today, is said to have been completed in 1097. This was followed by the construction of the church tower, and in the 12th century, the side aisles were added, which were connected to the central nave by arcades.

The church follows a Westphalian-Saxon architectural style and served as a refuge for the local people in times of hardship and war. The colorful murals are particularly noteworthy.

Furthermore, the bell, whose shape resembles a sugarloaf, is considered the oldest church bell in the Oberbergischer Kreis district. The baptismal font also has a special history: it was made of Drachenfels trachyte and painstakingly transported from the Drachenfels mountain in Königswinter.


Information for groups

We would be happy to organize a guided tour for your group in this or several churches. Please contact us on 02204 843042.

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

To arrange a guided tour: 02264 / 2860890 or muellenbach@ekir.de
The church is closed from November to the end of March. Guided tours can be arranged during this time by appointment.