St Margaret’s Village Church in Gera-Tinz

Its priest was the chaplain to the Reeves at Osterstein Castle. The tower basement is an architectural relic from the early 13th century. Of the numerous modifications made to the building, the demolition of the nave (1838) was the most serious. Admittedly, the nave was constructed in the 15th century as a result of the church’s popularity as a place of pilgrimage to Saint Margaret; an indulgence was donated on the saint’s day (13 July) and a fair was held too. The church was therefore very attractive as a living. A number of sacred works of art were created in about 1500. Once the Reformation arrived, however, only a crucifix and the exquisite winged altar, which dates back to 1497 and was made by the Zeitz master craftsman, Matthias Plauener, have been preserved as regards the interior decorated features. When the altar is opened, it shows Mary as the Woman of the Apocalypse in the middle with Saint Margaret on her right with the dragon and, outside, Saint Barbara, and on her left Mary Magdalene with the vessel of anointing oil and the Virgin with Child and Saint Anne.