Kloster Frauensee

The origins of the Cistercian convent of Frauensee date back to the late 12th century, with the first documented mention dating from 1202. The convent, dedicated to Saint Mary, developed into a significant institution and was permitted to house up to 66 religious persons. In 1250, the patronage transferred to the Thuringian Landgrave Heinrich the Illustrious. In 1266, Frauensee founded a daughter convent in Kölleda. The convent's growing landholdings led to conflicts with the surrounding nobility. During the Peasants' War of 1525, the convent was plundered by rebellious peasants, leading to the expulsion of the nuns. Following the suppression of the uprising, Landgrave Philipp the Magnanimous of Hesse confiscated the convent and initiated its secularization. The convent of Frauensee was officially dissolved in 1606. The complex was subsequently used as a Hessian demesne. A major fire in 1627 destroyed parts of the economic wing. The remaining building housed the Hessian office of Frauensee. Archaeological investigations in 2001/2002 provided further insights into the building history and life on the site.

Frauensee Convent is located in Frauensee, a district of the town of Bad Salzungen, in the Wartburg district of Thuringia. Originally situated on an island in Frauensee, the site is now connected to the shore.

The main building of the former convent was transformed into a representative Renaissance-style castle and remains preserved to this day. The approximate extent of the former convent buildings is known through historical tradition and archaeological finds.

• Frauensee Castle (Castle, approx. 130 m away)
• Tiefenort Castle (Castle, approx. 4629 m away)
• Krayenburg (Castle, approx. 4777 m away)
• Marksuhl Castle (Castle, approx. 5667 m away)