at the mediation program in Konradsdorf Monastery

The State Palaces and Gardens of Hesse (SG) and the Celtic World at Glauberg are launching a close collaboration to bring Konradsdorf Monastery, with its long history and unique atmosphere, to life for culture enthusiasts. They presented the joint program at a press event on March 26.

Guided tours on the history of the monastery

Since 2023, a permanent exhibition in the provost's building has been providing information about the monastery's history based on selected finds. Graphics on panels in the outdoor area and in desk books displayed in the former church bring former monastic life to life.
Starting in April 2025, visitors will also have the opportunity to delve even deeper into the history of this important Romanesque building in the Wetterau region with one-hour guided tours. During a tour of the preserved monastery buildings, church, and provost's house, they will learn interesting archaeological and historical details about the site's past as a residence of Premonstratensian nuns and as a farm and state domain after its secularization following the Reformation.

"Konradsdorf Monastery is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Hesse. Following its extensive renovation in 2023, it will be a true gem in the SG's portfolio, offering a truly engaging experience through a beautiful and vivid exhibition that provides visual and comprehensible aids. We are also now establishing a guided tour program. I would like to sincerely thank the Celtic World at Glauberg for their committed cooperation. The qualified educational program draws the eye and highlights special details. This allows our guests to delve deeply into the monastery's multifaceted past," says Kirsten Worms, Director of the State Palaces and Gardens of Hesse.

"With the collaboration between the Celtic World at Glauberg and the Palace Administration, we are combining our knowledge of the history of the Wetterau region and thus creating a particularly intensive experience of this special region," says Prof. Dr. Udo Recker (Head of hessenArchaeology at the State Office for Monument Preservation in Hesse).

And Keltenwelt director Marcus Coesfeld M.Ed. adds: "The goal of our two sites is to make history come alive and tangible. The combination of archaeological findings and vivid communication is a real added value for our audience."

Lecture evening on monument preservation and the history of monastic communities

In the former Premonstratensian monastery, whose origins date back to the end of the 12th century, 64 nuns and four clergy lived during its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries
– a considerable number for a women's convent of the time. After its dissolution in 1581, the complex was converted into a farm estate. As a result of this use and the damage caused by the Thirty Years' War, the remains of the former cloister disappeared. During the thorough renovation work beginning in 2016, meticulous structural investigations yielded groundbreaking findings. Today, Konradsdorf is one of the most archaeologically researched medieval monasteries in Hesse.
A two-part expert lecture evening with construction expert Dr. Anja Dötsch (SG) and art historian Susanne Gerschlauer MA (Keltenwelt am Glauberg) on August 7, 2025, will provide insights into the complex concepts of monument preservation as well as into the everyday life of the nuns in the monastery.

Visit via smartphone audio guide

Furthermore, the monastery and the exhibition can be visited individually and free of charge from Thursday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can take an audio tour of the complex on their smartphones using the SG Cultural Treasures app. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple and Google Play stores.

Program information and registration

Tours of Konradsdorf Monastery can be booked through the Celtic World at Glauberg. Groups can also arrange separate appointments.
Contact:
Keltenwelt am Glauberg
Archaeological State Museum of Hesse
Am Glauberg 1, 63695 Glauburg,
T. +49 (0) 6041 8233-024,
E. anfragen@keltenwelt- Glauberg.de
www.keltenwelt-glauberg.de

Photo: Stefan Schmitt (SG)