Church of Holy Trinity
In an ancient churchyard above the city is the Trinity Church, built in the classical style. A small medieval chapel was originally at this site, in succession a Gothic church was built, whose tower was not added until 1518. The Gothic church burned down in 1715 and was rebuilt in the following years. The nave was rebuilt between 1796 -1800. Both the base and the figure, “Moses with the Tablets of the Law” from 1695, now under the pulpit, remain from the interior of the previous church. This sculpture was created by the Bayreuth court sculptor Elias Räntz. The interior decoration was finished in 1837. The altar and baptismal font are by Johann Nestler, an artist from Marktschorgast.
Catholic Parish Church of “St. Otto”
Named after Saint Otto of Bamberg, a Catholic church was built on Maintalstrasse at the beginning of the 20th century and was inaugurated in 1904. Due to the influx of many displaced persons after the Second World War, the Catholic community in the traditionally Protestant-dominated Berneck grew rapidly. In 1968 a much-needed extension was completed. The church was supplemented in 1972 by a Way of the Cross at the church stairs, designed by Max Walter. The Catholic Church can be found next to QR 14 (Kreativhouse).
An Eerie Party
In the picture you can see the old rectory next to the stairway to the Protestant Church. This building, typical for the region, with a hipped roof, was probably built after the great fire in 1692. This house, alongside the castle, plays a role in this well-known local saga:
In the house of the pastor was sat together a merry party. It was late, and the candlelight illuminated the empty wine jugs. To help this unfortunate situation, the servant of the pastor was called.
As it was rumored that on the site of the old castle, the ghosts of the knights were said to be feasting and drinking at midnight, she should try to go and get some of that ghostly wine.
Of course, the maid was not thrilled by this idea; nonetheless, she climbed up to the castle ruins of Hohenberneck. When she got there, a storm tore down the drawbridge so that she could enter the castle and the hall. There, the deceased knights sat together in a circle and were drinking their wine from skulls. When asked what she required, the maid told of the pastor’s wish for wine. She actually received wine from the ghosts, under the condition to never come up to the castle again.
Back at the rectory, the guests of the pastor enjoyed the wine she had brought. But the storm grew wilder, and the guests quickly left the hospitable house. The next morning, the pastor was found dead in his bed.
This legend has been handed down in several versions – depending on whom you listen to, either the maid, the pastor or even all guests are dead in the morning.
Sources: Verein Historischer Stätten, Heinz Zahn
Evamaria Peter
Evamaria Peter has been the cantor for Bad Berneck and Thurnau deaneries since 2013.
She works as choir director, organist and church musician. A particularly important part of her activities is her work with children and teenagers.
But the enthusiastic church musician likes to work with people of all ages as to always find new ways to move them with church
Cantor Evamaria Peter performs Johann Sebastian Bach Präludium G-Dur, BWV 541
A New Home – early summer 1945 (English Version)
If I could, I would hold her in my arms, thinks Käthe, the mother. She senses that the little girl doesn’t feel secure in the strange new place.
Mother is brave again and smiles.
But it is so nice here at grandpa and grandma’s. Do you see the beautiful ivy at the high wall? We’ll go for lunch soon and you are allowed to wear the sandals. Don’t look so afraid, dad is with us again, too. He wants a happy girl on the picture.
Mum thinks herself into a nicer life.
What else can happen to me. The family is united again. But the strange grandma, it is difficult with her….
The little son on my arm has already some weight.
Have you got your picture finished, I can’t laugh any more.
My girl will learn it again.
Postscript: …. There were no sandals that summer …..
Ingrid Röttinger
My Youth in Berneck:
I still like remembering my youth in Bad Berneck. I came here in the spring of 1945, after the escape of our family out of the bombed Upper Bavaria, to find refuge with my grandma. She lived in the Kirchenring (church avenue).
The small town was like an oasis after the war and the confusion it created. I lived only 10 years in Bad Berneck, but it has influenced me a lot and is still one of my favorite places.
My autobiographical short text, New Home’ was created in a writing seminar; once, we were asked to bring a childhood photo and put ourselves in the adult. My father took the photo in front of the wall full of ivy at the church. It was shortly after the war and we were not long reunited as a family.
I still love Ivy.
Ingrid Röttinger, 2014
Visiting the Burgenfest 2013
Me in the Middle, late 40s, in the Kurpark
Travel Diary – 2013
The church provides a focal point amongst the skyline of Bad Berneck. Yesterday whilst by the castle ruins, the church dominated my view and drew me to its ornate design.
The inside of the church complements the ornate tower. Marble columns lead up to a large marble altar decorated heavily in religious iconography, whilst at the opposing end an organ sits proudly behind the church’s congregation.
Everything seems to be white, pure and spiritual, and the large open windows add further to the feeling of brightness.
Matt Bather, History Student in Liverpool, UK
