Chorin Abbey

Chorin Abbey stands among pine forests near Chorin village in Brandenburg. The Cistercian monks founded it in 1258 under the Ascanian margraves. It once shaped the northern edge of their territory where it met Slav lands. After secularisation in 1542 the buildings were left to decay. Karl Friedrich Schinkel led its restoration and partial rebuilding in the early 19th century. Today it is a leading example of Brick Gothic architecture and part of a German-Polish monastic network. The abbey’s history and architecture make it worth the journey. Its ruins were once left to decay for centuries before Schinkel’s work revived parts of the site. The Brick Gothic style shows the influence of northern European monastic building traditions. Scenes from the 1912 film Das Mirakel were shot here, adding a cinematic layer to its story. The abbey also belongs to a network that links German and Polish monasteries. Visitors find a mix of ruins and restored sections across the site. Brick walls rise against the forest backdrop, showing Gothic arches and vaults. The restored parts reveal how the abbey once functioned as a place of worship and work. Pine trees surround the grounds, creating a quiet setting for exploring. The abbey’s setting and architecture offer a clear view of medieval monastic life in northern Germany.