Street of the Romanesque of Havelberg to the monastery Jerichow - 2 days

Romanesque Road Destinations in Saxony-Anhalt

Enjoyment of art and a lot of history awaited us on the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt. Between Havelberg and Monastery Jerichow There are six churches from the Romanesque period. We visited four of them. This makes our trip to the Elb-Havel-Winkel a delight for art lovers and gourmets. The Butter and the preparation of the driver feast also contributed their part. How, you can discover that in the respective articles.

 

 

This route on the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt is only a small section of this theme road. It is part of the European Romanesque Street, the Transromanica, Despite the short distance we get a good look at the Romanesque architecture of the region. The entire theme road includes places north and south of Magdeburg. The north route and the south route. The route between Havelberg and Jerichow Monastery belongs to the northern route. It runs along the Elbe from north to south. It astonished us that in the small towns along this section there is a cathedral and a magnificent monastery. A Map of the entire Romanesque street you can find under this link.

Journey along the Romanesque Road – From Havelberg to Jerichow

 

 

Havelberg Sights

The Cathedral of St. Mary in Havelberg – A Masterpiece of Romanesque Architecture

Our first stop on the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt surprised us. We did not expect a cathedral in the small towns along the Elbe. Of the St. Mary's Cathedral has dominated the cityscape from afar. It stands on the highest "mountain" in the village. This rises above the old town on the Havel Island.

We are also amazed by the two gentlemen who stand as life-size statues in front of the church building. Tsar Peter the Great and the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I met in the cathedral in 1716. At that time Peter the Great was on his Grand Tour through Europe. On this he visited castles and monasteries. There he also got ideas for the construction of his new capital, St. Petersburg. He brought one of the most famous gifts back to Russia from Havelberg. The Amber Room. The Prussian soldier king gave it to the tsar in exchange for soldiers, the so-called "long guys". His statue shows that Tsar Peter was also of considerable size. The Prussian king, on the other hand, appears chubby and small.

 

 

Hanseatic city Havelberg

From Bischofsberg we have a magnificent view of the Havel Island and the old town of Havelberg. Here we meet Antje Reichel, the director of the Prignitz Museum. She tells us the history of the city and the cathedral. Among other things, we learn that Havelberg is Hanseatic city. On the banks of the Havel once built seagoing ships, which were used in the triangular trade. They brought slaves from Africa, transported them to the Caribbean. There they loaded rum into their hulls and brought them back to Europe. There was also a captain who was not satisfied with the wages. Instead, he said goodbye to the ship and his clients and made as a pirate the seas of the world uncertain.

 

 

The Cathedral of St. Mary

Like a bulwark, the western building of the Havelberg Cathedral rises above us. It looks more like a defensive wall than a church tower. Antje Reichel tells us that he only houses the bells of the cathedral. The cathedral was built after the Wendenkreuzzug in the year 1147, in which Saxon, Danish and Polish princes moved against the Slavic Wends in the Elbe, Trave and Odergebiet. 1170 was inaugurated the cathedral. The gothic influences he owes to the reconstruction after a fire in the 13. Century. Shortly thereafter, the rood screen (the partition between the sanctuary and the rest of the church) and the choir gates were also created.

 

 

The choir stalls are among the oldest in Germany. Worth seeing are the two statues at the base of the left pillar at the high altar. One holds a wooden spoon in his hand and represents one of the lay brothers who served in the kitchen. The other on the back of the pedestal shows a Weinschenk. Also on the opposite side of the altar two figures can be seen on the pillar. However, they do not know who they are.

The Prignitz Museum

The buildings surrounding the cloister house the Prignitz Museum. This deals with the history of the cathedral as well as with the history of the city. There are also interesting changing exhibitions.

Prignitz Museum at the Dom Havelberg
Domplatz 3
39539 Havelberg

Current opening hours can be found on the museum’s website.

Where you can eat well in Havelberg

For lunch we recommend the Bilderbuchcafé, which is located in the old town of Havelberg. It is located on the Havel Island below the Domberg. There is a light brunch served. Homemade salmon with a honey - dill mustard sauce, potato fritters and salad buffalo is also on the menu as salads and cakes.

Picture Book Café
Markt 7
39539 Hanseatic city Havelberg

 

The church of Sandau on the Romanesque Road in Saxony Anhalt

Only five kilometers further south is the town of Sandau with its Romanesque church. The interior of the church is being renovated. In the sanctuary, the Romanesque architecture with its round arched windows is clearly visible. Striking is the simplicity of the church space.

 

 

The church tower was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War. Its remains towered over the town for decades as a ruin. Meanwhile, the tower is completely rebuilt. In the process, the ruin was skilfully integrated into the new Westwerk. Visitors can easily see what the tower looked like a few years ago. In Petar's video about the Romanesque Road (see above) you can see that. Today there are various event and conference rooms in its interior. As long as the interior of the church is being renovated, one of these rooms is also used as a church space.

You shouldn't miss a visit to the church because of the grandiose view of the Elbe meadows from the top floor of the church tower. You can reach this floor via the newly built elevator. The church is open daily as a cyclist's church during the season from April to October.

Church in Sandau
Kirchberg
39524 Sandau (Elbe)

 

 

Cultural Tour Romanesque Road

Our tip: see the Elb-Havel-Winkel from above

A very special treat we recommend on the way south. Shortly before Scharlibbe, a sign to the left of the road points to Scharlibbe Airport. There, Peter Richter restored aircraft. At the same time he is a flight instructor and offers sightseeing flights over the Elbe-Havel-Land. How beautiful this region is, opens up really from the air. But see for yourself in Petar's video:

 

 

If you want more adventurous, you can also skydiving. However, we took it easy and instead spent a night in one of the cozy log cabins that Peter Richter rents out. Away from the cities, in the middle of nature. Where we could watch a pack of eggs in the morning mist. And enjoyed a beautiful sunrise in the silence of the Elbe-Havel-Winkel. This is Slow Travel at its finest on the Romanesque Road.

Mobile Air
39524 Klietz scarlet

 

 

Culinary highlights in the region

If you are hungry after the flight over the Elbe, we recommend a trip to Schollene. There you can not only eat well in the Elbe-Havel brewery, but by agreement you can even participate in the beer brewing. There are also guided tours. There was no time to brew in our tight schedule. We enjoyed the food all the more. A selection of local dishes makes the selection on the menu interesting.

Map

Enjoy in Klietz

Only about 12 kilometers east is the place Klietz. in the Land-gut-Hotel Lake View * can you stay overnight? We were allowed to take a look behind the scenes as kitchen spies. With the chef we prepared one autumnal driving pleasure to. But otherwise you can eat well there. We stayed in the new guest house, an outbuilding with modern equipped rooms.

In the Klietzer Hofmuseum you can show by Mrs. Läufer how one used to live in the village. We watched how she makes butter from milk, An arduous job, but the result is impressive.

After all the culinary experiences, a little exercise is good. In Klietz, the bat path through the nature reserve is ideal. The path begins at Dammstraße diagonally opposite the Glaser bakery (Map). On well-developed trails it goes - depending on your choice - almost 1,5 km or 7,5 km through deciduous forest. Along the route you will find information boards and explanations of the seven types of field mouse that occur in this region.

 

 

Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt

The birthplace of Otto von Bismarck in Schönhausen on the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt

Our journey continues along the Romanesque Road to Schönhausen. The village church of St. Marien und Willebrord cannot be overlooked because of its fortified tower. It is one of the best preserved Romanesque churches on the Romanesque Road in Saxony Stop. The church is closely associated with the von Bismarck family, who are remembered in the museum next door. It is housed in the former gatehouse of Schönhausen Palace. Of the castle itself, you can only see the foundation walls and some remains of the wall on the rear wall of the museum.

 

 

There used to be two castles in Schönhausen, both of which were built by the Bismarcks. Prince Otto von Bismarck was born in one of them. He was baptized in the church of St. Marien und Willebrord. Bismarck spent his youth elsewhere, but he kept returning to Schönhausen. After the death of his father, Otto von Bismarck took over the position of dikemaster in Jerichow. Shortly afterwards his political career began under Kaiser Wilhelm I.

The house where he was born no longer exists. The GDR government had it blown up in 1958. Only the foundations remain. The former palace park is still there, however.

Jerichow Monastery on the Romanesque Road in Saxony Anhalt

At the end of our 2-day tour along the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt, a highlight of Romanesque architecture awaits us. Monastery Jerichow The Romanesque building structure is clearly recognizable. Round arches, columns, pillars and vaults have perfect Romanesque forms. Capitals are magnificently designed. Geometric friezes decorate the outer walls of the monastery building.

 

 

Jerichow Monastery – History and Architecture in Focus

The canons of the Premonstratensian Order built the monastery's brick church between 1149 and 1240. They made the bricks for it on site. The Premonstratensians then administered the monastery until 1552. Then, however, the Reformation under Luther put an end to monastic life on the monastery grounds. Since 1685, the church has served as a place of worship for a Reformed congregation.

This has been extensively restored over the past two centuries. Today, visitors can learn about types of cultivation in the monastery garden. The brick museum shows how the building material for the monastery church was produced. There is also a permanent exhibition on the history of the monastery in the dormitory.

Other sources:

• German Foundation for Monument Protection

Where do you eat well in Jerichow?

We eat dinner at the Heinemann Inn. But don't be confused by the name "Konditorei und Kaffee Behrens" that is still above the entrance. The inn is run by a young landlady who grew up in Stellenbosch in South Africa. The inn is decorated with a great sense of style. Here you can eat in a pleasant atmosphere. The menu offers regional cuisine. Spiced meat (Ragout Fin), pike-perch from the Elbe and other specialties are served here.

Inn Heinemann
Linden street 1
39319 Jerichow

Stay overnight in Jerichow

We spent one night in the Bismarck room at the Landhof Liebsch. The Landhof is located in the neighboring village of Steinitz, about 4 kilometers from Jerichow Monastery. The former farm is being lovingly restored. Guests sleep in themed rooms furnished with furniture from earlier times. We stayed in the Bismarck room, for example. We particularly liked the friendliness of the hosts with which we were welcomed. Breakfast in the morning was served in the winter garden with a view of the inner courtyard, which is a small oasis with art and lots of greenery.

 

 

Questions and answers about the Romanesque Road between Havelberg and Jerichow Monastery

What is the best time to explore the Romanesque Road?

The best time to visit the region is in late spring or early fall. At this time, temperatures are mild and you can admire the historic architecture in pleasant light. In addition, the sights are less crowded than in the summer months, allowing for a more relaxed exploration. The picturesque landscape that accompanies the route is at its best in May or September.

Are there special tours along the Romanesque Road?

Yes, many of the historical sites offer special tours that give you a deeper insight into the history and architecture of the Romanesque buildings. Jerichow Monastery in particular offers interesting themed tours that focus on, for example, the architecture of the Brick Gothic period. It is worth checking the websites of the individual places for current offers before your visit in order to experience the history first hand.

What culinary highlights are there along the route?

On the route between Havelberg and Jerichow you can not only discover cultural treasures, but also enjoy the region's culinary specialties. The proximity to the Elbe in particular means that freshly caught fish can be found on the table, which you can try in many restaurants. There are also a number of wineries in the area around Havelberg that offer regional wine. A visit to one of the farm shops that sell local products such as honey, jam or cheese is also recommended.

How much time should you plan for the route between Havelberg and Jerichow Monastery?

You should allow at least half a day for the approximately 30-kilometer route between Havelberg and Jerichow. This will give you enough time to visit the Romanesque buildings and enjoy the idyllic landscape along the Elbe. If you also want to linger in the towns and eat in peace, you can plan a whole day. It's worth not rushing the journey and allowing the historical charm of the region to work its magic on you.

Are there special events on the Romanesque Road?

Events take place all year round along the Romanesque Road that bring the Middle Ages and the region's history to life. The "Romanesque Days", which are celebrated in some places, are particularly worthwhile. In Jerichow, there are regular concerts in the monastery church that make use of the special acoustics of the Romanesque building. Before your visit, check whether your stay coincides with one of these events - it is a unique experience to experience history so closely.

 

Are you looking for further inspiration?

• Germany travel destinations

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival at the Romanesque Road

Compare and book flights here* (advertisement). The nearest airport is, for example, Berlin Brandenburg. From there you can take the train to the Elbe-Havel area. Alternatively, you can also travel by car or bike.

Another enjoyable way to explore this region is by Elberadweg.

Car Rentals:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

 

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Do you know this?

• Road trips in Germany
• Visit churches, monasteries, cathedrals
• Discover palaces and castles
• Searching for amber at the North Sea
• Toronto Canada: Best Things to Do in Toronto

 

By the way: Further suggestions for Vacation in Germany by car you can find it here, for example.

 

Other Food Travel There's also here. Slow Traveler For example, you can find further suggestions here.

Source: Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt: own research on site. We would like to thank the Leader Action Group Elb-Havel-Winkel for their kind support of this press trip. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and Travel World Online
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline