Preetz Priory (German: Kloster Preetz) is a former Benedictine nunnery in the town of Preetz, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It operates today as a collegiate residence for ladies (Stift).

Preetz Priory

History

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The nunnery was founded in 1211 by Graf Albrecht of Orlamünde, nephew of King Valdemar II of Denmark, following a mystical experience which, according to him, happened while he was stalking a deer. After he had followed it into a valley, the deer stood still and he suddenly saw a gleaming cross appear between its antlers. He felt that the site was a holy place which he called the Field of Mary (German: Marienfelde) and to commemorate the vision he founded a nunnery at a location some 2 miles (4 km) away. A monastery on the actual site of the vision was built only in 1260.[1]

Suppressed in the 16th century due to the Protestant Reformation, it became an aristocratic Lutheran women's convent belonging to the Schleswig-Holstein knighthood. It continues in this capacity.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Die Chronik des Adeligen Klosters Preetz". Preetzer Schutengilder (in German).
  2. ^ Christian Stocks, Bernhard Schütz, 1975: Preetz. Ev. Adeliges Kloster, Ehem. Benediktinerinnenkloster Campus Beatae Mariae. Brochure, Schnell & Steiner, Kunstführer Nr. 1030, ISBN 3795447615
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54°14′25.34″N 10°16′59.77″E / 54.2403722°N 10.2832694°E / 54.2403722; 10.2832694