Splietsdorf can be explored through its architectural history and garden landscapes. In Vorland, the Gothic church and the Alther’sche Hof are two distinct points of interest; Quitzin adds a Renaissance house, later expanded into a Baroque hunting lodge, and a former castle chapel. When choosing accommodation, it may help to consider your own interests: architecture and garden design appeal to different people.
Churches and Architectural History in Vorland and Quitzin
The oldest part of the Gothic church in Vorland, its choir, dates from the mid-13th century. This date applies to the choir, not generally to every part of the building. The choir is the part of a church that contains the altar area. Those interested in historic architectural styles will find two specific points of reference here: the church’s Gothic classification and the medieval age of its oldest part. This distinction is also useful when comparing the church with the buildings in Quitzin, where later construction phases and changes are the focus.
The Renaissance house of the Counts of KĂĽssow in Quitzin was built in 1607. In the 18th century, it was expanded into a Baroque hunting lodge. Its history can therefore be divided into two separate stages: the construction of the Renaissance house was followed by its expansion. This distinction is important for understanding its history, because 1607 refers to the original building, while the 18th century saw the later development of the castle. Alongside the church choir, this provides a comparison between the mid-13th century, the year 1607, and an expansion in the 18th century. The dates indicate different phases of construction rather than a single date for the entire development.
The former castle chapel is also part of Quitzin’s history. It was built around 1614; its core may be older. The approximate date and the possibility of an older building fabric are two different aspects: one indicates a period of construction, while the other remains an open possibility. The chapel was also used for weddings. This adds another historic use to the building’s history.
A Landscape Garden with Different Areas
The Alther’sche Hof in Vorland is a seven-hectare landscape garden. The plants mentioned include roses and rhododendrons, as well as rare trees and shrubs. The garden also includes wet meadows, naturalistic ponds, a dry, nutrient-poor meadow and a newly created heath garden. The variety thus ranges from specific plant groups and woody plants to different types of meadow and pond areas.
There are clear differences among these landscape features, too: wet meadows and a dry, nutrient-poor meadow represent different habitat types, while the naturalistic ponds and heath garden add further features. Those particularly interested in roses or rhododendrons can explore the garden with these plants in mind. For other visitors, the woody plants or the different meadow and pond areas may be a better focus. In this way, the Alther’sche Hof offers a different point of interest from the successive phases of architectural history in Vorland and Quitzin.
Those interested in architecture can explore the Gothic church, the development of the Renaissance house and the former chapel, each with its own dates. Those who prefer garden design will find a distinct point of interest in the Alther’sche Hof, with its plant groups and varied landscape features. This comparison can help you decide before your trip which theme should influence your choice of where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Franzburg, Millienhagen-Oebelitz, Papenhagen, Weitenhagen, Wendisch Baggendorf, Velgast, Gremersdorf-Buchholz, Glewitz.
For the regional travel overview: Amt Franzburg-Richtenberg.
