Kloster Cronschwitz

The monastery was founded in 1238 by Jutta from the noble family of Straßberg, who also became its first prioress. Her husband, Heinrich IV, Vogt and lord of Plauen and Gera, joined the Teutonic Order in 1237, which necessitated the couple's divorce. To provide for Jutta, the Cronschwitz monastery was established. After his death, Heinrich IV was buried here, making the monastery the burial place for the Heinrichinger lineage and a residence for unmarried daughters of the Vogtland nobility. Originally intended for the Magdalen Order, the convent adopted the rules of Saint Augustine and the customs of a Roman Dominican convent. Supervision was provided by the Dominican Order, while secular affairs were initially entrusted to a Vogt of the Teutonic Order, a regulation that, however, ceased to be enforced by the mid-13th century. A papal letter of protection was granted to the monastery in 1246 by Innocent IV. Through the dowries of noble women and further endowments, the monastery accumulated considerable wealth in possessions and rights, including lands, forests, and revenues from incorporated parishes. Precious chalices, ceremonial vessels, and a relic of Saint George enriched the monastic treasury. During the Reformation, the monastery lost its significance and economic strength. From 1542 to 1544, Martin Luther's brother-in-law, Hans von Bora, served as administrator. The monastic buildings fell into disrepair, and after the last nuns departed, the monastery was sold in 1544.

The Cronschwitz monastery is situated in the municipality of Wünschendorf/Elster in the district of Greiz, in the federal state of Thuringia, Germany.

Today, only wall remnants of the former monastic buildings remain, serving as witnesses to the past.

• Mildenfurth Monastery (sacred building, approx. 1164 m away)
• Endschütz Manor (manor house and estate, approx. 2794 m away)
• Osterburg Castle (castle, approx. 3500 m away)
• Liebschwitz Manor (manor house and estate, approx. 4190 m away)