Romanesque Churches in Diemelsee

St. John’s Church is the largest and most significant Romanesque village church in the region. Until 1215, it was the seat of an archdeacon; from 1231 onward, it was the seat of a vice-archdeacon.

The church’s architectural style dates from the second half of the 12th century. It features a massive, projecting west tower with a pyramidal spire, which was built as a defensive tower around 1200.

Flechtdorf:

The St. Maria Monastery Church is one of the most significant churches in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. Construction of the monastery church, as the church of the Benedictine monastery, began in the mid-12th century as a three-nave pillar basilica with a tied-arch system, a western transept, and an impressive double-door western structure.

As a result of the Reformation, the church became a Protestant parish church.

Heringhausen:

Unlike the other churches, St. Barbara Church was not built on land formerly owned by Corvey Abbey. It was built on land owned by Kaufungen Abbey.

In the northern side aisle of the church stands a sculpture of Saint Barbara, commemorating the mining industry that once operated in the area. The paintings on the western tower wall originally came from a high altar and depict the Last Judgment and the apostles Paul and Peter.

Schweinsbühl:

St. George’s Church is a remarkable small Romanesque structure with a single bay and a domed cross vault, an adjoining eastern apse, and a rectangular, vaulted tower bay projecting to the west. The church houses a late-Gothic crucifix, a Romanesque baptismal font, and a six-sided pulpit on a stone base.

In the Middle Ages, this small village held an important position. The “Villicus” of Corvey Abbey had his seat here. He collected taxes from the farmers in the surrounding area. Later, Schweinsbühl also served as the seat of a free court with jurisdiction over capital crimes.

Sudeck:

St. Margarethen Church is a simple late Romanesque structure dating from the end of the 12th century.