Lindow Abbey

The founding of Kloster Lindow is believed to have occurred around 1230 in the Temnitz area on Lake Katerbowsee. Initially possibly belonging to the Premonstratensian order, it was relocated to Lindow around 1240, likely at the behest of the Counts of Ruppin, who were expanding their territory. By this time, it was probably already a Cistercian nunnery. The first documented mention dates to 1334. Construction of the monastic church and convent buildings likely began in the mid-13th century and was completed by the mid-14th century. Later additions in the 15th century included a monastic barn and a monastic school. As the house monastery of the Counts of Arnstein, the lords of Ruppin, it was richly endowed with land and income, making it one of the wealthiest monasteries in northern Brandenburg. Following the death of the last Count of Lindow-Ruppin in 1524, the monastery fell to the Margraviate of Brandenburg.