Protestant village church, Altjeßnitz

The small Romanesque fieldstone church consists of a short nave, a retracted choir and a semicircular apse. The rounded arched windows are preserved from Romanesque times, and it is believed that they were part of a Franciscan monastery. On the west gable, there is an octagonal wooden ridge turret with a slate-clad top.

Of note is the mural painting in the apse calotte, dating from the time of the church’s construction, around 1200. Here, one can make out the image of Christ enthroned inside the mandorla, together with a second seated figure, probably Mary. Next to the four symbols of the evangelists we see John the Baptist and a bishop. The interior features a small, late-Gothic carved altarpiece from the end of the 15th century. In its centre is the Madonna, enthroned within an aureola on a crescent moon.

Another special feature is the baptismal font, probably from the 17th century, and executed in a peasant carving style. The church is located in the middle of the Altjeßnitz estate park, which also features the famous Baroque maze.

Opening hours:  by appointment. Admission free, donations invited. Guided tours by appointment: Gudrun Dietsch, Tel. 03494/78158