In a groundbreaking archaeological endeavor, the abandoned Himmelpforte monastery, situated near Wernigerode in central Germany, has been excavated for the very first time.

The excavation, led by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, has successfully identified the monastery’s structures and unearthed a plethora of artifacts providing insight into the daily lives of the Augustinian monks who once inhabited the site.

The Augustinian monastery, known as Himmelpforte or Himmelpforten, was established before 1253 by the von Hartesrode family.

This religious, cultural, and economic hub played a vital role in the region. Unfortunately, it endured the plundering effects of the German Peasants’ War in 1525 and fell into disarray during the Reformation, leading to the near-complete demolition and decay of its buildings, the Medievalists has reported.

Over time, the once-thriving site, nestled in an enchanting forest valley at the foothills of the Harz Mountains, faded into obscurity, leaving behind only a few remnants of the monastery wall and a 1917 memorial commemorating a visit by Martin Luther in 1517.

Until now, its precise location remained a mystery, but this remarkable excavation has brought the hidden history of Himmelpforte back to light.

To unravel the mysteries of the monastery’s architecture and historical significance, archaeologists, with the support of the city of Wernigerode, have been diligently conducting research at the monastery site.

Initial investigations last year involved geophysical prospecting, which yielded promising hints of buried relics belonging to a modest yet grand monastery complex.

The complex featured a church to the north and cloister buildings to the south, organized around a cross courtyard.

Presently, the remnants of these structures are undergoing careful examination through a 50-meter-long and 2 to 5-meter-wide excavation section.

Heading this year’s excavation efforts is Prof. Dr. Felix Biermann from the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt.

Biermann reveals that excavation pits left by stone looters and foundations have provided clear insights into the layout of the church and monastery buildings.

Of particular significance is the discovery of a large late Gothic building with imposing buttresses, skillfully attached to the cloister’s south wing.

This impressive structure is believed to have served as the monks’ dining room, known as the refectory.

Its construction likely occurred in the 15th century, and what sets it apart is the inclusion of a washbasin seamlessly integrated into the wall with a drainage system to the exterior, signifying the high hygienic standards upheld by the convent during that era.

Written by staff