Sittichenbach Abbey

Sittichenbach Abbey, also referred to as Kloster Sittichenbach or Sichem Abbey, is a prominent Cistercian monastery located in Sittichenbach, which is now part of Osterhausen near Eisleben in the Mansfeld-Südharz district of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Foundation and Early History

The abbey's establishment dates back to 1141 when it was founded as a daughter house of Walkenried Abbey by Esiko II of Bornstedt, with Volkuin serving as the first abbot. The new foundation quickly amassed considerable landholdings to develop its farming operations. Sittichenbach Abbey played a role in the expansion of Cistercian influence, notably by establishing Lehnin Abbey in 1180 at the request of margrave Otto I of Brandenburg. Further foundations followed, including Buch Abbey in 1192 and Grünhain Abbey in 1235. The abbey also served as a retreat for notable figures, such as Bishop Conrad of Halberstadt, who retired there in 1208. A period of significant hardship occurred in 1346 when the abbey was severely impacted by a feud between Ludwig von Meißen and the Count of Mansfeld. This conflict resulted in the abbot and monks being taken hostage and subjected to harsh treatment, leading to the deaths of several monks and the excommunication of the Count of Mansfeld.

Dissolution and Secular Use

During the Reformation, in 1540, Sittichenbach Abbey was dissolved. Initially, the property came under the possession of the Counts of Mansfeld before being transferred to John George I, Elector of Saxony, in 1612. From this point onward, the abbey's premises were repurposed for local administrative functions. The administrative district of Amt Sittichenbach subsequently passed through various territorial changes, including being part of Saxe-Weissenfels, the Principality of Saxe-Querfurt, and eventually incorporated into the Electorate or Kingdom of Saxony, before becoming part of the Prussian state in 1815.

Second Foundation and Modern Era

Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the lands and remaining structures of Sittichenbach Abbey were returned to the Cistercian order after nearly 500 years of secular use. Extensive restoration efforts have since been undertaken. A notable achievement includes the creative rebuilding of the chapel, which is now utilized for daily prayer. Other buildings have been restored and supplemented, transforming the site into a hotel and retreat center. The grounds also feature an open field developed into a serene area for meditative walks, incorporating gardens, worship spaces, shrines, and a labyrinth. Although much of the original structure dates from its later periods of use or restoration, remnants of the initial abbey buildings, such as the abbots' chapel, the fishpond, and the dovecote, are still visible.