The floating church "Vineta" is renovated

After a good decade on the water, the floating church "Vineta" on Lake Störmthal is being renovated. Since 2010, the "Vineta" lies in the water and is permanently exposed to wind and weather there. Therefore, the municipality of Großpösna has the facade renewed and painted. The difficulty in the work on the lake is mainly the wind conditions, explained Susann Thiel from the construction office of the municipality of Großpösna. Also the supply and removal on the water is more complex.

The "Vineta" is not a consecrated church, but its 15-meter-high tower is modeled on the steeple of the former Magdeborn church. The village of Magdeborn was one of many places that had to give way to open-cast lignite mining. Lake Störmthal was created by flooding the mine. "The Vineta is a symbol for the villages that disappeared due to lignite mining," Thiel said.

Since 2011, the "Vineta" has been leased by the municipality to Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig. Concerts, readings or private parties are held on the "Vineta". The first event this year, a free wedding ceremony, should already take place on April 1, as Sabine Schön, spokeswoman for the Varieté, announced.

According to Susann Thiel, the construction work will most likely be completed by then. "We are optimistic that the scaffolding can be dismantled by March 30 at the latest," said Thiel. Around 60 wedding ceremonies take place on Vineta each year.