Bible Garden - Byzantine Basilica Oberlichtenau

image author: Maik S. Förster

In Oberlichtenau is Germany's first biblical Garden situated. It has true to original replicas from biblical times. In the year 2006 an Early Christian church from the 4th century, a Byzantine miniature basilica was added to the bible garden. The laying
of the foundation stone took place on the 20th of May 2006 in memory of the First Council of Nicaea 325 AD, one of the most crucial events of the occidental history. On that very day the dogma of the Trinity and the date of the Easter celebrations were determined as well as the Creed drafted.

image author: Maik S. Förster

With the very small church, decorated with icons and frescos, the supporter, the CV Oberlichtenau e.V., wants to further contribute to the explanations of early Christianity and with that to the value discussion inside society. Questions that arise in the course of the church visit and bible garden and to being explained are for example, why is the altar located in the east, where does the word 'orientate' comes and what is a  Pantokrator?

image author: Maik S. Förster

The appropriate and professional mediation of contents to the respective target group (first and foremost school classes and confessional groups) is especially important to the provider. Further education in Israel and at the orthodox academy in Crete are useful to gain and strengthening of respective knowledge. Great media attention has already been gained through special guided tours on ecclesial and official public holidays.
Via membership in a tourist regional cooperation and the intended membership in the tourist route Via Sacra further networking is planned.

image author: Maik S. Förster

The construction of the small basilica was supported with funds from the European Social Funds ESF. 5.000 visitors were already recorded  between the laying of the foundation stone and June 2007. Accommodation profited
through better occupancy rates and the pottery, situated in the terrain obtained good sales figures.

image author: Maik S. Förster

CV Oberlichtenau e.V.
Maik S. Förster
Mittelbacher Str. 2
01936 Oberlichtenau
Tel. 03 59 55 / 458 88