Komturei Heimbach

The Heimbach Commandery was founded in 1207, based on a donation from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1185. It developed into an important stronghold of the Order of St. John. In 1310, the commandery became the scene of a historic meeting: John, son of Emperor Henry VII, and Elisabeth of Bohemia met here before their wedding in Speyer. Despite an economic crisis around 1350, which was overcome by selling land, the commandery continued to play a central role. The Heimbach Agreement of 1382, which secured autonomous rights for the Brandenburg Bailiwick of the Order of St. John, was a significant event. During the Peasants' War in 1525, the complex was plundered and set on fire, but rebuilt under Commander Johann von Hattstein. Another destruction occurred during the Thirty Years' War around 1622. Although the church was again prepared for services, the final destruction by French revolutionary troops in 1794/95 led to the end of the commandery.

The former monastic complex was situated at approximately 130 m above sea level in the northern part of the Zeiskam district, away from the then residential areas. The Hainbach stream, which flows 50 m south of the site and was used to fill the defensive moats, gave the commandery its name.

Today, hardly any remains of the former Commandery of St. John the Baptist in Heimbach are preserved. A monument commemorates the historical significance of this former monastic complex.

• Dalberger Hof Manor (manor house and estate, approx. 6133 m away)
• Edesheim Castle (castle, approx. 8268 m away)
• Kupperwolf Castle (castle, approx. 8352 m away)
• Germersheim-Stengelkaserne Fortress (fortress, approx. 9662 m away)