Dorfkirche Mahlsdorf, Fieldstone church in Mahlsdorf, Germany.
Dorfkirche Mahlsdorf is a 13th-century early Gothic fieldstone church with a rectangular nave, a recessed rectangular choir separated by a pointed triumphal arch, and a west tower. The tower was raised above the nave eaves in the late 15th century and completed in 1593/1594 at 16.30 m with a longitudinal saddle roof. Its corner quoins are Rüdersdorf limestone, and a weather vane with moon and stars tops the tower instead of a cross.
The church was built during the Romanesque period and remains a testament to medieval building methods in the region. Its fieldstone walls have endured through many centuries and make it an important monument of architectural history.
The Marienglocke, cast in 1488, is the only surviving original bronze bell; its Latin inscription reads "MATER DEI MISERERE MEI". The other two bells were melted down for armaments in 1917 and 1942, replaced by cast-steel bells in 1954, and again by bronze bells from the Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock foundry, consecrated on 6 October 2024 during the harvest festival service with Superintendent Hans-Georg Furian. The smaller 1954 bell now hangs in the entrance area.
The church is easily reached from Mahlsdorf's town center and sits on elevated ground that distinguishes it from surrounding buildings. Visitors should note that service times vary, and it is wise to check ahead for current opening times.
The Marienglocke, cast in 1488 and inscribed "MATER DEI MISERERE MEI", is the only original bronze bell to survive; the other two were melted down for armaments in 1917 and 1942. In 2024 the 1954 cast-steel replacements were swapped for new bronze bells from the Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock foundry, consecrated on 6 October 2024 at the harvest festival service; the smaller old bell now hangs in the entrance.
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