"Bonte Kerke" (Wiedenest)

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 Church of the Cross in Wiedenest has been an "open church" for decades. Visitors from near and far travel to Wiedenest year after year to visit and admire this gem. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m., the Church of the Cross is not only a significant site of church art and history, but also an important place of peace, reflection, and encounter with God for many parishioners and visitors.

Information for groups:

Please register if you would like to visit the church with a group of 10 or more people. Smaller groups can visit the church without prior registration.

The team at Das Bergische would be happy to organize a guided tour for your group at the Bonten Kerke in Bergneustadt-Wiedenest 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

To register for the guided tour, please contact parish representative Roland Armbröster: Tel.: 02261/ 9699730 roland.armbroester@ekir.de