Protestant women's convent
MonasteryHamburg
Kloster St. Johannis
The St. Johannis Monastery in Hamburg, now an Evangelical Women's Foundation, is a historic institution with roots dating back to the 13th century. It is situated in a spacious garden on the Alster river and provides 69 self-contained apartments for single women over 60. Its uniqueness lies in its continuous evolution from a medieval Cistercian convent to a modern women's foundation, which is still managed by a unique structure under the direction of an honorary board and the Grand Convent, which includes the city's mayors.
History+
The origins of St. Johannis Monastery date back to 1246, when Countess Heilwig von der Lippe founded the Cistercian convent of Herwardeshude. Initially located by the Pepermölenbek stream, it was relocated in 1295 to the area of present-day Harvestehude. Following the Reformation and the dissolution of the Dominican St. Johannis Monastery in Hamburg's city center in 1530, the nuns moved there. In 1536, the Evangelical Conventual Foundation for unmarried daughters of Hamburg patricians and citizens was established. Over the centuries, the monastery changed its location several times: in 1837 to Schützenwall, and finally in 1914 to its current address on Heilwigstraße, named after the founder. The current complex was built between 1912 and 1914 by architects Richard Kahl and Ludwig Endresen.
Location+
St. Johannis Monastery is located in Hamburg, in the Eppendorf district, at Heilwigstraße 162. It is set within a spacious garden directly on the Alster, a river in the Hanseatic city.
On site+
Today, St. Johannis Monastery serves as an Evangelical Women's Foundation. It is a residential complex offering 69 self-contained apartments for single women over 60. The institution is managed by an honorary board approved by the Senate. The Grand Convent, which includes the city's two mayors, the three board members, and the prioress (Domina), ensures the continuation of the structure that has existed since the Reformation.
Nearby+
- New Mariendom (sacred building, approx. 3881 m away)
- Palais Görtz (residence, approx. 4556 m away)
- Wellingsbüttel Manor House (manor and estate, approx. 7662 m away)
- U-Boat Bunker Fink II (military structure, approx. 10850 m away)
Take Mobile History with you
You are reading this text for free. Premium adds what matters on the road: descriptions read aloud, sites found through your camera, whole regions taken offline.
- Every description, including the ~17,700 Premium sites
- Audio guide: have descriptions read to you on location
- AR finder: see sites through your camera, with distance and bearing
- Unlimited saved sites
14 days free, then from €2.99 a month. Cancel anytime.
Location: 53.5908, 9.9958