Lehsen: Neoclassical Manor House and Park History

A manor house from the neoclassical period and an expansive landscaped park give Lehsen a distinctive cultural and historical character. Here, interest centers on specific architectural forms and on the connection between the manor house complex and its trees, water, and former estate buildings.

Manor House and Landscaped Park

The two-storey neoclassical manor house was built in 1822 and is divided into nine bays. Four Doric columns support the portico; a clock is set in the pediment. These details explain the effect of the façade as a composition of several parts: the portico highlights the entrance, the nine bays give the front its rhythm, and the clock marks the pediment. The house can therefore be understood not only through its year of construction, but also through its architectural features. For those interested in culture, its appeal lies in considering the architectural form together with its individual design elements.

The manor house complex is linked to an extensive landscaped park with old and rare trees, former estate buildings, ditches, and a pond. The cultural landscape therefore includes not only the building, but also trees, water, and former estate buildings. Ludolf von Laffert, a farmer and dendrologist, operated tree nurseries in Lehsen. Dendrology is the study of trees and woody plants; von Laffert’s expertise in trees and practical nursery work thus came together in one place. This gives the history of the trees a named historical figure.

Church and Mill History in Wittenburg

The town of Wittenburg offers a distinct cultural and historical perspective. It has a typical Mecklenburg old town, with a lovingly restored medieval center. St. Bartholomew’s Church stands at the edge of the market square. This Romanesque brick church was begun around 1240. Its exterior features numerous Romanesque decorative forms, including corner pilaster strips and round-arched eaves friezes. Its floor plan is also precisely laid out: the nave has three aisles and three bays, and is joined by a rectangular choir with two bays. The church therefore offers several specific points of interest for architecture enthusiasts, from its brick façade to the layout of the building.

The history of the church tower reveals a later alteration: after the original tower was destroyed in a fire in the 17th century, it was rebuilt in 1908 in Neo-Gothic forms. At 64 meters high, it is considered a landmark of Wittenburg. The church’s west gallery also houses an organ built around 1848 by Friedrich Wilhelm Winzer. Wittenburg thus brings together Romanesque forms and later architectural and musical heritage.

Wittenburg’s mill history also includes specific dates. The post mill was moved from Schwerin to Wittenburg in 1890. The town’s mill museum opened in 1979, with the restored Wittenburg Mill as its first exhibit. The Elbetal-Schaalsee Cycle Route also includes Wittenburg’s historic windmill as a stop. The wider landscape along the route encompasses forests, meadows, fields, orchards, and former sites along the inner German border. If you plan to follow this route, check current route conditions and services before setting out.

Cultural Interests and Choosing Accommodation

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Discover more destinations: Wittendörp, Wittenburg, Körchow.

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