MonasteryHarzgerode

Thankmarsfelde

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Ruin, freely accessible

Thankmarsfelde, a historic site in the Harz region of Saxony-Anhalt, was a significant location from the 10th to the 15th century, gaining supra-regional recognition primarily through the presence of a Benedictine monastery. The settlement, whose origins lie in the Lower Harz, is one of the oldest of its kind in the region.

History+

The exact founding date of Thankmarsfelde is unknown, but the name is associated with a locator named Thankmar. In 970, a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Mary was established here. Archbishop Gero of Cologne and Margrave Thietmar of Lusatia endowed it in memory of their father Christian. Pope John XIII confirmed the foundation in 971. However, by 975, the monastery was relocated to Nienburg an der Saale. Extreme winter conditions and a more strategically favorable location for the missionization of the Slavic Gau Serimunt were the main reasons for this move, which occurred with the approval of Emperor Otto II. A portion of the monks, led by Abbot Hagano, is said to have remained in the Harz and founded a hermitage in Hagenrode. The village of Thankmarsfelde, later known as Dammersfeld, was still mentioned in 1400 but was abandoned in the 15th century. In the 18th century, a farmstead, later a dairy, was established on the former grounds. Archaeological excavations in 1987/88 uncovered the foundations of the choir area of the former church.

Location+

The historic site of Thankmarsfelde is situated in the Harz Mountains, in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. It lies at an elevation of approximately 291 m above sea level.

On site+

Today, the forest area known as "Dammersfeld" commemorates the medieval settlement. The excavated foundations of the choir area of the former church bear witness to the site's past significance.

Nearby+
  • Heinrichsberg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 718 m away)
  • Harzgerode Castle (Castle, approx. 3066 m away)
  • Meiseberg Castle (Selketal) (Castle, approx. 3409 m away)
  • Anhalt Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 4335 m away)

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 51.6694, 11.1302