Grevesmühlen
approx. 10,700 inhabitants
The question whether the megalithic tombs in the vicinity of Grevesmühlen are actually prehistoric graves or not has not yet been answered. 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period humans arranged menhirs in groups and roofed the massive construction with an even larger stone.
When rambling about the kaleidoscopic surroundings of Grevesmühlen you will sight many megalithic tombs of this type. You are interested in seeing a "devil's oven"? This is the designation of an exceptionally impressive megalithic tomb situated approximately 5 kilometres in the direction of Wismar. The town Grevesmühlen itself is worth a visit as well. You will discover brick structures dating back to the 13th century - the impressive St. Nikolai church - and also dating back to the 19th century - the restored malt house - visible evidence that industrial buildings can also be beautiful.
Historical facts
Grevesmühlen belongs to the oldest towns in Mecklenburg. Presumably founded by Slavic settlers "Gnevesmulne" was first mentioned in a charter in 1226. Medieval Grevesmühlen soon became a prosperous little town. The town walls enclosed a fortress and a Cistercian monastery. The municipal church of St. Nicolai dates back to the 13th century. It is one of the few medieval buildings which were not destroyed in the large fire of 1659 and is still preserved today. The Grevesmühlener castle burnt to ruins as well.
Between 1525 and 1567 Grevesmühlen disposed of the right to mint coins. After this prosperous period the town yielded to economic decline. Not until the onset of industrialisation did new industrial branches develop here, including the foundation of brickworks and a sawmill. The malt house, which was established in 1893, is counted to the most important industrial monuments in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Grevesmühlen is the administrative centre of the district of Nordwestmecklenburg.
Stadtinformation Grevesmühlen
Am Kirchplatz 5
23936 Grevesmühlen
phone: 03881-723222
Internet: www.grevesmuehlen.de