Kyritz Friary
Kyritz Friary was a Franciscan friary located in the old town of Kyritz, Brandenburg, Germany. Founded in the early 13th century, it was dissolved during the Reformation in 1552 and subsequently passed through various secular uses before falling into ruin. Today, only remnants of its structures remain, with a focus on preserving the friary garden and utilizing the ruins for cultural events.
Key Facts
- ›The friary was a former Franciscan institution in Kyritz, Brandenburg.
- ›Its church is believed to have been built in 1225, though surviving ruins date to the late 14th century.
- ›The friary was dissolved in 1552 following the Reformation.
- ›After dissolution, the buildings were used for the poor, as a garrison church, and later auctioned for demolition.
- ›The friary garden is currently being restored and the ruins are used for public events.
Early Gothic
Round-Arched Window, Roof Vaulting of the Hall Church, Restored Friary Garden, Stage For Events Within the Ruins
Franziskanerkloster Kyritz
Dissolution In 1552 Due To the Reformation
About Kyritz Friary
Kyritz Friary, also known by its German name Franziskanerkloster Kyritz, is a historical site in the old town of Kyritz in Brandenburg, Germany. It was a Franciscan friary whose church is traditionally said to have been built in 1225, although the surviving structural elements date to the latter half of the 14th century. The friary's existence is first contemporarily documented in 1303.
History and Dissolution
The friary's active monastic life concluded with the spread of the Reformation to Kyritz. In 1552, the friary was dissolved, and its church and adjoining buildings were transferred to the possession of the town of Kyritz. The condition for this transfer was that the properties be used for the welfare of the poor. Over time, the former friary passed through various hands and was notably used as a garrison church for stationed troops. By 1781, the remaining structures had fallen into disrepair and were auctioned for demolition, including the church, graveyard, and walls. However, specific terms of the sale protected the remaining parts of the church from complete destruction.
Present Day
Today, Kyritz Friary exists primarily as ruins. Since 1995, the historical society "Kyritzer Knattermimen" has undertaken efforts to restore the former friary garden. Within the remnants of the church, a small stage has been erected to accommodate approximately 300 spectators. This space is now utilized for a variety of cultural events, including theatrical performances known as "Theaternächte im Klostergarten," music festivals, classical music concerts, and public readings, breathing new life into the historic site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kyritz Friary founded?
According to a local Bible, the friary church was built in 1225. However, the surviving structural remains are from the second half of the 14th century. The first contemporary record of the friary dates from 1303.
What happened to Kyritz Friary after the Reformation?
The friary was dissolved in 1552. The church and adjacent buildings were given to the town for the benefit of the poor. It later served as a garrison church before being auctioned for demolition in 1781.
What remains of Kyritz Friary today?
Only a few walls and ruins remain of the former friary. The round-arched window and roof vaulting of the Early Gothic hall church are still discernible. Parts of the former graveyard have been built upon.
Is Kyritz Friary still an active monastery?
No, Kyritz Friary is no longer an active monastery. It was dissolved in the 16th century and its buildings have since been used for secular purposes or fallen into ruin.
How are the ruins of Kyritz Friary used today?
Since 1995, the friary garden has been restored. A small stage has been constructed among the church ruins for various cultural events, including theatrical performances, music festivals, and concerts.
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