When Lutheran sovereigns expelled the monks from the monasteries during the Reformation, the Cistercian monastery of Altzella near Meissen was also dissolved. The complex, which was one of the most important monasteries in central Germany, fell into disrepair. Over 1,000 precious books were transferred to the University of Leipzig, but as Altzella was already the hereditary burial place of the Wettin dynasty, the Dresden court's interest in the site never completely dried up. Elector Friedrich August III erected an early classicist mausoleum here in 1787. Court gardener Johann Gottfried Hübler surrounded the burial site with a romantic landscape park. Romantic painters such as Caspar David Friedrich and Ludwig Richter soon found inspiration in the mystical landscape, the old pointed arches and imperturbable gables.
The new season opens with the medieval spectacle. On April 5 & 6, 2025, knights, jugglers and market stalls will move into the idyllic monastery. Those who prefer to enjoy the park at their own pace can go on a GPS scavenger hunt with the Altzella backpack. "In the footsteps of the monks" is an experience for the whole family. You can experience the uniqueness of the grounds on herb walks, a bird song walk or the "Singing, resounding monastery park". In 2025, Altzella Monastery will be celebrating its 850th anniversary. At specialist lectures on April 27, June 22 and August 24, renowned historians will report on the eventful history of the monastery.
The new season opens with the medieval spectacle. On April 5 & 6, 2025, knights, jugglers and market stalls will move into the idyllic monastery. Those who prefer to enjoy the park at their own pace can go on a GPS scavenger hunt with the Altzella backpack. "In the footsteps of the monks" is an experience for the whole family. You can experience the uniqueness of the grounds on herb walks, a bird song walk or the "Singing, resounding monastery park". In 2025, Altzella Monastery will be celebrating its 850th anniversary. At specialist lectures on April 27, June 22 and August 24, renowned historians will report on the eventful history of the monastery.