Wendish-German Double Church

The Wendish-German Double Church in Vetschau is a unique Protestant church with two adjacent naves—one for Wendish (Lower Sorbian) and one for German worship—sharing a common tower and vestry.

History

The original church dates back to the late 13th century, built during the Christianization of the Wends. After fires in 1619 and 1642, only the tower base remained. A new brick Wendish church was later built, serving ten nearby Wendish villages. In 1690, rising German influence led to the construction of a separate German church beside the Wendish one. Completed in 1693, it featured a Baroque design and shared the tower and vestry with the Wendish church.

Reconstruction

The tower was rebuilt from 1704–1709 with a new bell roof. Major interior renovations followed in the 19th century. The Wendish church gained galleries, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and a new organ. The German church was repainted in neo-Gothic style and received a new organ in 1899.

Decline and Revival

Wendish services declined due to repression and ended in 1932. After 1977, the Wendish church was used for storage. Restoration began in the 1990s. Since 1995, the Wendish church has served as a cultural venue, hosting concerts and exhibitions. A Wendish-language service is held annually on European Heritage Day.

Notable Features

The Wendish church contains 17th- and 18th-century gravestones. The German church retains much of its Baroque interior, including a pulpit with an angel and a 13th-century baptismal font from a village lost to mining. The 1899 organ is still functional. A plaque honors Sorbian poet Hans Bock, born in Vetschau in 1569.

Address
Berliner Straße 31, Vetschau, Germany

Established
17th century