Medingen Abbey

The origins of Medingen Abbey date back to 1228, when it was founded as a branch of the Cistercian convent of Wolmirstedt. In 1336, it found its permanent location in Medingen. Originally built in the Brick Gothic style, the abbey's possessions grew significantly through the entry of wealthy daughters from Lüneburg patrician families. It acquired rights to the Lüneburg saltworks, customs, mills, and shipping on the Ilmenau, and housed over 100 nuns at the beginning of the 16th century. The Reformation brought an order from Duke Ernst the Confessor in 1524 for conversion to the Lutheran faith, which the convent resisted for over 30 years—a conflict known as the “Nuns' War.” Duke Ernst confiscated the abbey's property in 1539 and had parts of it demolished.