Nimbschen Abbey Ruins

The Cistercian convent moved to Nimbschen before 1291 from Grimma. The Cistercian nuns faced financial difficulties in the late Middle Ages, and reforms were attempted by the Wettin rulers and Pforta abbots. Despite extensive renovations in the early 16th century, the community faced challenges. The influence of the Reformation became evident, leading to the escape of nine nuns, including Katharina von Bora, Luther's future wife, in 1523. The last Abbess, Margaretha, died in 1536, leading to the dissolution of the convent in 1536. The estate continued under a steward until Kurfürst Johann Friedrich von Sachsen leased it in 1542.

After secularization, from 1550 to 1948, Nimbschen belonged to the Fürstenschule in Grimma, providing financial support for gifted students. The secularized estate was managed by the Grimma school office, overseeing the school's economic well-being.

Over time, the convent buildings deteriorated, and in 1810, they were repurposed for construction material. In 1901, a new estate was built using the remaining materials.

Address

Nimbschener Landstraße 1, Grimma, Germany

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)