Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg

Nestled in the heart of Brandenburg an der Havel, the Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg, originally known as Dominikanerkloster Brandenburg an der Havel, is a historical gem that beckons visitors with its rich past and architectural splendor. This former Dominican monastery, now home to the Archaeological State Museum of Brandenburg, offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the region's medieval heritage and cultural evolution.

The Origins of Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg

The story of Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg begins in the late 13th century. In 1286, Otto V (the Long), son of Margrave Otto III, gifted the margravial residence to the Dominican Order, founded in 1215. This marked the commencement of the monastery's construction. The oldest part of the complex, the choir, was completed first, followed by the hall church and adjoining cloister buildings about a century later.

In the same year, Bishop Gebhard of Brandenburg consecrated the church, dedicating it to St. Andrew and Mary Magdalene. Nearly a century later, in 1384, Bishop Dietrich III rededicated the church to the Holy Three Kings and St. Paul. The monastery thrived as a spiritual and cultural center, reflecting the architectural styles and religious fervor of the time.

The Decline and Transformation

With the advent of the Reformation in the Margraviate of Brandenburg, the Catholic era of the monastery came to an end. The monks were allowed to remain for life, but no new brothers could be admitted. In 1560, Elector Joachim II gifted the monastery to the Neustadt of Brandenburg. The church became Protestant, and the monastery buildings were repurposed as a hospital and elderly care facility.

Tragedy struck during the final days of World War II when a fire, sparked by the neighboring conflict, engulfed the monastery, church, and tower. The flames raged until April 29, 1945, leaving only the walls and a few vaults intact. Neglect led to further deterioration, and by 1958, the southern pillar row had collapsed, prompting the removal of the remaining vaults and securing of the tower and perimeter walls.

Reconstruction and Modern Use

In 2002, a decision was made to fully reconstruct the monastery. The restoration aimed to harmonize modern technical requirements with the original monastic design, using locally produced bricks in the traditional monastery format. While the church's vaults were not restored, the renovation breathed new life into the historic complex.

On September 24, 2008, the Archaeological State Museum of Brandenburg opened its doors within the restored monastery. Today, the church nave frequently hosts cultural events, including concerts and the Brandenburg Monastery Summer, blending historical ambiance with contemporary cultural experiences.

Architectural Highlights

The Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg is a testament to Gothic architecture, characterized by its simple yet elegant three-aisled hall church without an ambulatory. The entire complex is constructed using the distinctive brick technique of the region. A square cloister, formed by the church and adjacent buildings, encloses a courtyard that once served as a burial garden. The slender, fragile-looking tower at the southeast corner adds a unique charm to the structure.

The Chancel Window

One of the most captivating features of the monastery is the chancel window of St. Pauli's ringing church. These stained glass artworks, after being stored away for 65 years, were meticulously restored and reinstalled in 2008. Originally moved to protect them from wartime destruction, the windows had been housed in St. Gotthardt's and later St. Katharinen's churches.

The chancel window, dating back to the mid-13th century, is among the oldest and most beautiful medieval church windows in Brandenburg. It consists of 36 panels arranged in 12 rows and 3 columns, depicting scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, following traditional typological representation. The restoration in the 19th century added softer, more pleasing contours to the figures, blending medieval artistry with modern aesthetics.

The Monastery Cemetery

Excavations in 1995 uncovered approximately 500 graves from the early modern Pauli Cemetery, established in 1583 on the former vineyard of the medieval monastery. The cemetery was used until 1795, when it was closed due to overpopulation following a dysentery epidemic. Subsequent excavations in 2007 and 2010 increased the number of recovered skeletons, providing valuable anthropological insights into the lives of the deceased.

The skeletal remains, examined by anthropologist Bettina Jungklaus, revealed a population primarily consisting of elderly adults. The presence of many degenerative diseases and severe dental caries highlighted the harsh living conditions and poor nutrition of the time.

Visiting Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg

A visit to Kloster St. Pauli Brandenburg is a journey through centuries of history, architecture, and culture. The monastery's serene location, bordered by the largely intact city wall, offers a glimpse into the contemplative life of the medieval monks. Whether exploring the Archaeological State Museum, attending a cultural event, or simply strolling through the historic cloister, visitors are sure to be captivated by the timeless beauty and rich heritage of this remarkable site.