Page 426 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

424  NOR THERN GERM AN Y INTRODUCING NOR THERN GERM AN Y  425

Gothic Brick Architecture

Brick was used as a building material in many parts of The storeys are
divided by friezes.
medieval Europe, but in Northern Germany it gave rise
to the distinctive style of Backsteingotik (brick Gothic).
Brick technology was introduced in the mid-12th century
by Norbertine monks arriving from Lombardy. The style Terracotta tiles with raised decorative
is characterized by a rich variety of vaults, the use of motifs were used in brick architecture
in place of stone bas-reliefs.
buttresses instead of supporting arches, and colourful Turret for
designs achieved by using glazed bricks. Through smallest
trade and the activities of religious orders these church bell The arcades between the
naves are tall and narrow,
forms spread throughout the Baltic region. culminating in acutely
pointed arches.
The eastern façade of
many churches, such
as the Marienkirche in
Prenzlau (above) was often
crowned by an elaborate, Complex star vaulting with intricate
ornamental gable. ribbing replaced the earlier cross-
ribbed vaulting.
Marienkirche
in Lübeck Flying buttresses
Considered are rare in brick-
built churches.
the crowning
achievement of
Backsteingotik, Stepped walls
this church, built were used to dress
from around the façades of the
1260, became the church. They were an
important element
model for countless in the construction.
others, including
the cathedral in
Schwerin. It is a
triple-naved basilica,
with a twin-towered Beam openings
façade, braced indicate that a
with buttresses. robust type of
scaffolding was
used in the course of
construction. The ends
A pointed of the beams are
arched portal, incorporated in the walls.
decorated with
ceramic borders,
was a typical
feature of many Secular Brick
village churches. Architecture
Backsteingotik was not confined
to churches – this style was
Main portal
used in magnificent town halls,
weigh-houses, gateways and
houses, mostly on narrow
plots, with elaborate gables
decorated with glazed bricks
Gables with tiled The vast twin- and white plasterwork.
decorations and intricate towered façade
openwork, such as this symbolizes the
gable of the south chapel of power of its Friezes on the arcades, such as this
the Nikolai kirche in Wismar, founders – wealthy interlaced motif made from brick, Gothic house on the market
Lübeck patricians.
are a feature of many Lower are frequently used as a decorative square in Greifswald
Pomeranian churches. element, even in village churches.

424-425_EW_Germany.indd 424 09/10/17 2:33 pm 424-425_EW_Germany.indd 425 09/10/17 2:33 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Feature template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.3)
Date 18th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm