Altzella Abbey
Cistercian·Germany·Ruins and restored buildings, cultural park·12th century
Altzella Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery founded in 1162 near Nossen, Saxony, Germany. It served as the primary burial place for the Wettin margraves of Meissen from 1190 to 1381, housing their tombs within its church and the later Andreaskapelle. Though secularized in 1540 and largely demolished, its remaining structures and surrounding park now serve as a cultural site, featuring ruins, restored buildings, and gardens.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1162 by the Cistercian Order.
- ›Served as the burial site for the Wettin margraves of Meissen from 1190 to 1381.
- ›Construction of the abbey church began around 1175, with intense building periods between 1180 and 1230.
- ›Secularized in 1540, leading to the demolition of many buildings.
- ›The site now includes a Romantic park, ruins, and restored buildings managed by Schloss Nossen/Kloster Altzella Administration.
- ›The Andreaskapelle was built between 1339 and 1349 for the burial of the Wettins.
Romanesque, Brick Gothic, Romantic Park
- Tombs of the Wettin Margraves of Meissen
- Andreaskapelle
- Klosterpark Altzella
- Ruins of the Abbey Church and Conventual Buildings
- Restored Buildings Used For Cultural Functions
Altzelle Abbey, Kloster Altzella, Kloster Cella, Cella Sanctae Mariae, Cella Vetus
Otto Ii, Margrave of Meissen, Hedwig of Brandenburg, Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, Vinzenz Von Gruner, Martin Von Lochau, Henry Iv, Duke of Saxony, Augustus, Elector of Saxony
- Founded In 1162.
- First Abbot and Community Moved In 1175.
- Church Dedicated In 1198.
- Entrusted With Supervision of Abbey of the Holy Cross In Meissen In 1217.
- Founded Daughter House Neuzelle Abbey In 1268.
- Secularized In 1540.
- Demolition of Large Parts of Buildings By 1557.
- Remains of Ancestors Re-Buried In Mausoleum Between 1676 and 1787.
- Romantic Park Established Around 1800.
About Altzella Abbey
Altzella Abbey, also known by its historical names Cella or Cella Sanctae Mariae, was a prominent Cistercian monastery situated near Nossen in Saxony, Germany. Founded in 1162, the abbey quickly rose to prominence, not only as a center of religious life but also as the significant burial place for the Wettin margraves of Meissen. This role as a dynastic necropolis lasted from 1190 until 1381, with interments occurring in the main church and later in the specially constructed Andreaskapelle.
History and Development
The monastery's establishment was initiated by the Cistercian Order, with the first abbot and twelve monks arriving from Pforta Abbey in 1175. The construction of the abbey church commenced around this time, followed by an intensive building phase between 1180 and 1230 that saw the erection of conventual buildings and Romanesque architectural elements. The church itself was dedicated in 1198, featuring a Brick Gothic design with Northern Italian influences visible in its west front. Over the centuries, Altzella Abbey expanded its influence, including supervising the Benedictine nunnery of the Holy Cross in Meissen and founding a daughter house, Neuzelle Abbey.
Decline and Legacy
The abbey experienced a flourishing period under abbots like Vinzenz von Gruner and Martin von Lochau, and it even acquired Nossen Castle in 1436 to serve as the abbot's residence. However, its religious function concluded with secularization in 1540. Under subsequent Saxon rulers, many of the abbey's buildings were demolished by 1557 to reuse their materials. Despite this destruction, the site retains historical importance. The remains of the Wettins were later moved to a memorial chapel, the present-day mausoleum, between 1676 and 1787. In the early 19th century, a Romantic park was established, creating a picturesque setting for the remaining ruins and structures.
Present Day
Today, the premises and gardens, enclosed by the former precinct wall, are collectively known as Klosterpark Altzella. This area is maintained by the Schloss Nossen/Kloster Altzella Administration. It features a blend of ruins and restored buildings, which are now utilized for a variety of cultural and religious events, including Corpus Christi processions, conferences, and private functions. The site offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history, architectural evolution, and its enduring connection to the Wettin dynasty.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Altzella Abbey founded?
Altzella Abbey was founded in 1162. The Cistercian Order established the abbey on land acquired by Emperor Frederick I, following the wishes of Hedwig of Brandenburg.
What was the historical significance of Altzella Abbey?
Altzella Abbey was a prominent Cistercian monastery and, crucially, served as the burial place for the Wettin margraves of Meissen from 1190 to 1381. It was a center of religious and administrative activity in the region.
What remains of Altzella Abbey today?
Today, Altzella Abbey exists as a site managed by the Schloss Nossen/Kloster Altzella Administration. It comprises a Romantic park, ruins of the former abbey, and restored buildings that are utilized for various cultural and religious events, as well as conferences and private functions.
Who is buried at Altzella Abbey?
The abbey is notable as the burial place for the Wettin margraves of Meissen. The first Wettin to be entombed there was Otto of Meissen in 1190. Later, the Andreaskapelle was built specifically for their burials, including Frederick II and his son Frederick III.
What happened to Altzella Abbey after it was secularized?
After its secularization in 1540, large parts of Altzella Abbey were demolished, and the materials were reused elsewhere. Only the lay brothers' building survived, which was later used for grain storage. The site was later transformed into a Romantic park.
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