Barth, which is a small town with Brick Gothic architecture and was apparently a major trading centre in the Middle Ages, has now joined the Danish/German/Polish network of the “European Route of Brick Gothic”.
With its membership, the Vineta town of Barth intents to present its many Brick Gothic buildings in their important architectural and historical context as cultural monuments to visitors from all over Europe. The network and the town will now pool their resources to create greater public awareness of the common cultural heritage of Brick Gothic architecture.
It is hoped that membership of the association will help visitors to focus on the Brick Gothic buildings in the town, so that they will be a magnet for cultural sightseeing as part of a short holiday in the recognised health resort of Barth. The European Route of Brick Gothic offers expertise, cultural tourism connections and support for this purpose.
“Since 2015, Barth has been recognised as a state-approved health resort, and it is surrounded by natural scenic treasures which are familiar to all visitors to the Darss region. Our cultural history goes back much further, but Barth is not yet sufficiently known as a town of culture. That is why this membership is especially valuable for us”, comments Friedrich-Carl Hellwig, the mayor of Barth.
The cooperation will be implemented by joint publications such as the cultural travel guide, by events such as the annual Day of Brick Gothic and by the network of academic and culture tourism committees of the association. It is hoped that this will promote discussion and knowledge of the Brick Gothic architectural monuments in Barth.
The addition of Barth as a new member is also welcomed by many tourists who are interested in the Brick Gothic cultural landscape as a tourist destination. The preserved brick buildings are a testimony to the hard work and construction skill of their builders. Especially the imposing structure of St. Mary’s Church has been a prominent feature of the market place and skyline of Barth for almost 700 years. It is a testimony and monument to the history of the town and its importance in the golden age of urban development in the Middle Ages.
Other important Brick Gothic buildings in Barth include the Papenhof (a late mediaeval brick building dating from the 15th century which is currently being refurbished), the Dammtor (the only remaining town gate of the original four, built in the mid-14th century), the Fangelturm (a fortified tower with battlements dating from the 16th century) and the St. Jürgen Chapel outside the town gates (14th century).
