Neuzelle Abbey

The foundation of Kloster Neuzelle took place in 1268. It was a new establishment originating from the mother monastery Altzella in Saxony. The Cistercian monks who settled here dedicated the monastery to Saint Mary. Over the centuries, Neuzelle developed into an extensive landholding, encompassing numerous villages and estates. A profound event was the attack during the Hussite Wars in 1429, during which the monastery was devastated and monks were killed for refusing to accept the teachings of Jan Hus. These monks have since been revered as martyrs. The monastery existed until its dissolution and secularization in 1817 by the Prussian government.