St. Johannes der Täufer

St. Johannes der Täufer is a brick church featuring Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements in Engerhafe, with a single-nave structure built in two distinct construction phases. The bell tower stands about 30 feet (9 meters) from the main building and has tilted northward over centuries, requiring its lower arches to be sealed up.

The church was built between 1230 and 1270 by tom Brok chieftains and first appears in records in 1250 as one of six synodal churches in Brookmerland. It stands as one of the region's oldest religious structures and reflects early church organization in the area.

The church served as a location for a satellite camp of Neuengamme concentration camp during World War II, now marked by a memorial for those who died there. This remembrance shapes how visitors understand the place and its role in local history.

The church is accessible to visitors, though the tilted bell tower requires caution due to its structural condition and may be partially restricted. It helps to check ahead for current opening times and any access limitations before visiting.

Inside the church stands a bronze baptismal font from 1646 and an organ built in 1774 by craftsman Hinrich Just Müller. These valuable pieces are rare examples of preserved liturgical furnishings from that era.

Location: Südbrookmerland

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Made from material: brick

GPS coordinates: 53.48790,7.31608

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23