Johanniskloster

The monastery's foundation dates back to 1252, when a monk named "Bruder Gerhard" or "Atze" received permission from Sophie of Brabant to establish a monastic cell on a purchased plot of land. Landgrave Albrecht confirmed this donation in 1256. The cell was consecrated to Saint John, which is reflected in the historical names "vallis Johannis babtiste" and "vallis St. Johannis." Later, the Johannistal was recognized as a subsidiary of the Cistercian monastery Georgenthal and was granted a nearby hop hill for cultivation. Monastic life abruptly ended in 1525 with the Eisenach Pfaffensturm, an anti-clerical revolt, during which the monks were expelled and their possessions plundered. The lands were subsequently sold.

The former monastery site is located in a small gorge, today's Ludwigsklamm, between the Paulinenhöhe and Sophienhöhe in Eisenach, Thuringia. The valley is now partially wooded and protected by steep slopes and rocks. A hiking trail from Kapellenstraße now leads to this historic site.

Today, the site of the Johanniskloster is an archaeological monument. One can discern a leveled area surrounded by trees, with scattered traces of mortar, brick fragments, and masonry along its edges. Below this area is a small former fish pond fed by springs. The ponds, now partially silted up, and the terraced fields visible on the slope are also believed to originate from the monks.

• Wartburg Castle (approx. 1214 m away)
• Burschenschaftsdenkmal (Monument, approx. 1294 m away)
• Metilstein Castle Ruin (approx. 1531 m away)
• Alte Residenz Eisenach (Palace, approx. 1591 m away)