Doberan Minster

The origins of the monastery date back to 1164, when Prince Pribislaw approved its foundation by Cistercian monks from Amelungsborn in Althof. After its destruction in 1179 during succession disputes, a new settlement was established in Doberan in 1186. A smaller Romanesque predecessor from 1232 was replaced by the current Gothic Minster from around 1280, incorporating parts of the Romanesque church. The shell and roof structure were completed around 1297, and the monastic church was consecrated in 1368. In the Middle Ages, the Minster served as a burial site for the territorial princes. With the Reformation in the 16th century and the secularization of the monastery in 1552, the monastic era ended. However, Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg advocated for the preservation of the Minster as a princely burial site and initiated renovations. In 1564, the first Protestant preacher was appointed, making the Minster a parish church.

The church, despite past losses, houses the most complete original furnishings of all Cistercian monastic churches.