Mellen: Large stone grave will be the historical highlight of Prignitz!

Mellen: Large stone grave will be the historical highlight of Prignitz!

The impressive large stone grave of Mellen is located in the tranquil Brandenburg countryside, about an hour from Lenzen. This archaeological masterpiece dates back to between 3000 and 2500 BC. BC and is therefore older than the famous Stonehenge. How Northern Courier According to reports, the grave is now being brought into the spotlight by the city council in Lenzen in order to emphasize its importance for the region.

The impressive monument, the only remaining megalithic grave in the Prignitz, served as a quarry until 1845. Fortunately, it was placed under monument protection in 1887 and is impressive today as part of the “Prignitz Time Treasures” association. Michael Kreutzer, a committed representative of the region, emphasizes the central role of the grave in the development of the area. Various measures are planned to increase the attractiveness of the site.

Planned upgrades for Mellen

The city of Lenzen has big plans for the redevelopment of the site. This includes:

• Das Errichten von zwei Stahlaufstellern als „Eingangstor“, die den Zugang zum Grab markieren.
• Die Schaffung neuer Pkw-Stellplätze mit Rasengittersteinen sowie Fahrradbügel für umweltbewusste Besucher.
• Eine neue Wegeführung, die für bessere Orientierung sorgt.
• Eine kreative Installation aus Cortenstahl, die den Transport der Steine in der Jungsteinzeit symbolisiert.
• Eine Informations-Pulttafel zur Erklärung der Installation und der Bauweise des Grabes.
• Der Bau von zwei Pavillons, von denen einer eine Grillstelle sowie Informationsmaterial zur Umgebung bieten wird. Der andere wird interaktive Elemente zur Lebensweise der Menschen vor 5000 Jahren umfassen.

The total costs for the renovation work amount to around 237,000 euros, 75% of which is funded by the EU's LEADER funds. The city of Lenzen will contribute around 29,700 euros as its own contribution to advance the project.

A journey into the past

The large stone grave is not only a remnant from the Stone Age, but also has a mystical aura. Folk legends tell of a “giant king” buried at this site, and many burial mounds and stone circles can be found around the grave. These megalithic tombs, also called dolmens, are well-known monuments of prehistory, often built from huge boulders. Unfortunately, many stone-cutters and stone-breakers contributed to the destruction of the original burial sites.

The Mellen experience is complemented by its remarkable construction: the burial chamber measures approximately 22 by 8 meters and is surrounded by a rectangular stone setting. There was originally a hill above the chamber, but this was lost through the years and stone quarrying. Access to the burial chamber was opened for every burial, which illustrates the long use of the space.

At a time when historical sites are often forgotten, the city of Lenzen's commitment shows how much the community values ​​its own history. The large stone grave of Mellen is not only an important monument, but also a window into the past of the Prignitz region and a valuable opportunity for people to engage with the rich cultural heritage.

While renovations take place and planning progresses, the tomb remains a fascinating destination and an important part of the region's identity. The novelties promise to make the heritage even more vivid and attract a wider audience interested in the secrets of the megalithic culture. More information about the tourist significance of the grave can be found on the website Prignitz district.