Zinna Abbey

The foundation of Kloster Zinna took place in 1170, initiated by Wichmann von Seeburg, then Archbishop of Magdeburg. The initial monks came from Altenberg Abbey near Cologne. As early as 1179, the monastery was attacked by Duke Casimir I of Pomerania. Following a period of uncertainty and a failed plan to relocate the site, construction of the abbey church, built from granite ashlar, began around 1215, with its consecration occurring in 1226. Subsequently, the monastery experienced significant economic growth. In 1285, it acquired the town of Luckenwalde and eleven surrounding villages. By 1307, the monastic estate reached its peak, covering nearly 300 square kilometers. By the end of the 15th century, the abbey owned 39 villages, 14 mills, a salt well, a pitch hut, and a brickworks. The monastery also held extensive lands in the southeastern Barnim region, including the Rüdersdorf limestone quarry. The monks significantly contributed to the development of the March of Brandenburg through hydraulic engineering and trade activities, becoming important creditors for the margraves. Abbot Nikolaus II established a printing press at the monastery, producing the Zinna Psalter of Mary around 1493, which is the oldest book printed in Brandenburg. The Reformation had an early impact on the monastery, and following a prolonged period of decline, it was dissolved and secularized in 1553.

The former monastery is located in the Kloster Zinna district of Jüterbog in the Brandenburg region of Teltow-Fläming. It stands at an elevation of approximately 70 meters above sea level.

The former Cistercian abbey is now a significant historical monument, bearing witness to the monastery's past grandeur and influence in the region.

• Manor House Kaltenhausen (Zinna) (Manor and Estate House, approx. 350 m away)
• Franciscan Monastery Jüterbog (Monastery, approx. 4078 m away)
• Cistercian Nuns' Monastery Jüterbog (Monastery, approx. 4311 m away)
• Kloster Unser lieben Frauen (Monastery, approx. 4345 m away)