Siegfried III von Mügeln founded the Cistercian monastery in 1241. The rules of the order were: Poverty, chastity and obedience. Ora et labora = pray and work.
The nuns introduced fruit growing, planted medicinal herb gardens and bred fish in the monastery pond. Here too, discipline began to crumble in the age of the Reformation. Six Sornzing nuns fled after learning of the successful escape of Katharina von Bora from Nimbschen Abbey. Their escape helper's head was cut off.
Today, you can live comfortably in the lavishly renovated nuns' house. Events such as the flower festival and the annual Christmas market in the monastery courtyard are a magnet for visitors.
LEIPZIG REGION
Good to know
Directions & Parking facilities
Anreise
By car: Leave the highway A 14 at exit 33 Leisnig. Then turn left towards Mügeln. Go straight through the next village, Kleinpelsen. Soon after, turn right at the sign "Kloster St. Marienthal" towards Sornig for 1.5 km. After the village sign, continue downhill for another 200 m and cross the next junction straight ahead. The monastery is located behind the wrought-iron entrance gate, which is overlooked by two tall old copper beeches. Parking is available at the crossroads opposite the entrance at the edge of the orchard.
Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
The nearest DB train station is in Oschatz, 12 km from the monastery. Bus 804 stops next to the monastery.
By car: Leave the highway A 14 at exit 33 Leisnig. Then turn left towards Mügeln. Go straight through the next village, Kleinpelsen. Soon after, turn right at the sign "Kloster St. Marienthal" towards Sornig for 1.5 km. After the village sign, continue downhill for another 200 m and cross the next junction straight ahead. The monastery is located behind the wrought-iron entrance gate, which is overlooked by two tall old copper beeches. Parking is available at the crossroads opposite the entrance at the edge of the orchard.
Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
The nearest DB train station is in Oschatz, 12 km from the monastery. Bus 804 stops next to the monastery.
Author
Daniela Kuhnert
Organization
LEIPZIG REGION
License (master data)
Daniela Kuhnert
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