Barth Bible Center

The Barth Bible Center is located on the site of the medieval leper hospital St. Jürgen. After an eventful building and other history, the chancel of the former hospital church has been preserved as a chapel; on the foundation walls of the nave, however, a hostel for the poor and pilgrims was built, which today - lovingly restored - houses the exhibition of the Bible Center. Its centerpiece is the "Barth Bible" from 1588, printed in the princely printing house of Duke Bogislaw XIII in 1588 as the first Bible for Pomerania at the time. Grouped around this centerpiece are a medieval scriptorium and a Gutenberg printing press, which also invite visitors to conduct their own writing and printing experiments, unusual installations, information and games on topics of life and faith, valuable books and exhibits on the history of writing, the Bible and books, and a museum store. The beautifully designed grounds with a Bible garden, Christian rose garden, pavilions and clay ovens invite visitors to explore further.

The Barth Bible Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last admission 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Numerous general educational topics and projects are offered for school classes and other interested groups (www.bibelzentrum-barth.de). It is advisable to book in advance to plan group visits.

The church

The small brick church of St. Jürgen was built in the 14th century - as a hospital church for lepers who were no longer tolerated in the city and found a place to stay here, in front of the eastern city gate of Barth. Later, while retaining the medieval chancel, the nave was converted into a half-timbered house with 18 rooms. Until 1990, this house provided accommodation for the sick, pilgrims and, above all, the poor in the historic church interior. The small tower, which was a ridge turret on the east gable of the nave, has unfortunately not been preserved. However, the choir, which is closed on five sides and vaulted on the inside, has retained its original shape. During extensive restoration work at the end of the 20th century, pre-Reformation wall paintings depicting St. Christopher and St. Anthony were uncovered in the chapel.

Information on accessibility

• Parking space for people with disabilities is available
• The building is steplessly accessible
• All rooms that can be used by guests are accessible without steps or via an elevator
• 81 cm minimum width of all passages/doors (exception: in the Scriptorium exhibition room and in the Reformation exhibition room)
• WC for people with disabilities is available
• Assistance dogs are welcome
• Guided tours for people with disabilities are offered