Moraas is a farming village in the Griese Gegend that has existed since the 13th century. The chapel offers a particularly vivid glimpse into its history: its chapel room dates from the 1970s, while the wooden bell tower was built in the early 19th century. The fully preserved bronze bell in the tower is even older. It dates from the 14th century, weighs 110 kilograms and is rung by hand.
Moraas Chapel and the Sacred Buildings Cycle Route
There are details to discover in the bell tower, too: its original oak cladding has been preserved and treated with coal tar oil. The chapel also contains an altarpiece created by an artist from the neighbouring village of Picher. Together, the bell, tower and chapel room tell of different periods of construction and art, offering a concise glimpse into the village’s religious heritage.
The Sacred Buildings Cycle Route links religious buildings in the Griese Gegend and includes a small chapel in Moraas, a farming village more than 750 years old. This places the village within a themed exploration of sacred architecture. Those interested in churches can also access information about the churches in Moraas as an audio guide via the “Entdeckerrouten” app; check availability before using it.
Historic Buildings in the Village
Moraas’s architectural heritage includes several hall houses: one at Am Anger 6, another with a residential building and wagon shed at Kuhstorfer Straße 2, and a hall house at Kuhstorfer Straße 7. The description of the building at number 2 highlights the connection between the residential building and wagon shed. Another historic landmark is the 1914/1918 war memorial. Together with the chapel, these examples show different facets of local history, from religious buildings to rural architecture and commemorative culture.
The chapel is located at HauptstraĂźe 30, 19230 Moraas. If you plan to visit specifically, check the current access arrangements in advance. This is especially useful if you want to combine your visit with the audio guide or a ride along the Sacred Buildings Cycle Route.
A Museum in the Nearby Area
Nearby, in Hagenow, the Museum of Everyday Culture of the Griese Gegend explores life in the countryside and the city. Its scope stretches from the Stone Age to the recent past. The museum complements the architectural and historical perspective on Moraas with a look at everyday life in rural and urban settings. If you are mainly interested in exploring buildings during your trip, Moraas offers specific examples; Hagenow offers a different focus on cultural history and everyday life.
Culture in the Wider Ludwigslust-Parchim Destination
The wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination also offers a range of historical highlights. Ludwigslust Palace was the former residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg. The palace, park and town form an ensemble known as the “Little Versailles of the North.” The late Baroque town plan is almost completely preserved; the ensemble includes a former court church and an English-style landscape park. The palace also showcases art and courtly domestic culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries. This offers a different way to explore history from the rural architecture of Moraas.
The museum in Dömitz Fortress focuses on the history of the fortress and town, as well as the Elbe, harbour, bridges and Fritz Reuter; temporary and art exhibitions are also held there. Dömitz Citadel itself is a Renaissance fortress built on the Italian model, with a pentagonal layout, bastions, casemates and a drawbridge. Tours at Zarrentin Abbey can cover the history of the former Cistercian convent, the nuns’ lives and the building’s architecture. There is also a permanent exhibition about the abbey on the ground floor. Check tour dates and access in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kirch Jesar, Hoort, Kuhstorf, Pätow-Steegen, Picher, Strohkirchen, Hülseburg, Belsch.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Amt Hagenow-Land.
