Vicelin Church St. Jacobi Bornhöved

The Vicelin Church of St. Jacobi Bornhöved, the oldest church on the Monks' Trail (Mönchsweg), has been enthroned in Bornhöved for almost 875 years. Consecrated by Bishop Vicelin in 1149, it became a hub for trade routes and shaped the central importance of Bornhöved. Despite numerous conversions and renovations, the fieldstone church has retained its historical substance. The 40-metre-high neo-Romanesque tower, built in 1866, is a striking feature, crowned by a weathercock and a cross. The eastern wall, supported by four strong buttresses, was built later than the western part. The church was originally built with fieldstone and plaster using the climbing formwork technique, which gave it a unique appearance. Over time, the original structure of the fieldstones became visible, giving the church a romantic and quaint charm. Visitors can see the plaster fieldstone construction method on a model wall erected in 2011. The sacristy, originally a lounge for baptized persons and later a mortuary, was added in 1739. During the last renovation in 2001-2002, the interior was redesigned and the beamed ceiling from 1626 was uncovered. Notable furnishings include an ivory crucifix and classicist altar and candlesticks from 1899 as well as carved bridal and wedding chairs from the 18th century.