Vicelinkirche, Romanesque church in Ratekau, Germany.
Vicelinkirche is a Romanesque church building in Ratekau built from field stones and featuring rounded arches and thick walls. The structure includes a defensive tower at the main entrance and an interior covered with a wooden shingled roof, creating a solid, fortress-like appearance.
Construction began in 1156 when the missionary Vicelin was commissioned by Count Adolf II following Holstein's conquest of Wagrien to convert the local Slavic population. The building has been continuously maintained and remains in active use as a Lutheran church community.
The church is dedicated to the missionary Vicelin, whose name recalls the Christian conversion of the Slavic population in this region. Visitors can see inside how different periods of religious practice are visible in preserved objects such as the crucifix and pulpit.
The building welcomes visitors as part of an active church community that holds regular services. It is helpful to check service times beforehand to plan your visit or to attend a service while you are there.
The walls were built from field stones found on the site and connected with gypsum mortar sourced from the limestone deposits of Segeberg mountain. This local building technique is characteristic of many early stone churches in the region.
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