The monastery in Preetz was founded in 1211/1212 as a Benedictine order by Count Albrecht von Orlamünde. In the busy medieval game of to and fro, the area at the time happened to be in the hands of the Danish. Of course back then anything with Christian roots would have been Catholic. During the 25-Year war betwen Holstein and Denmark (1415 - 1440), manners and morals in the order became a bit unholy, so that the Vicar Capitular of Lübeck had to threaten with excommunication, unless the nuns refrain from contact of any kind with men. But along came Martin Luther´s Reformation and the tide changed, at least in Northern Europe most ecclesiastic matters became protestant. Along also came a little more profanity, the order came into the possession of the Schleswig-Holstein Knighthood, who transformed it into a ladies monastery i.e. into an institution of education and upbringing for daughters of the noble and wealthy. It still has this function and the Knighthood is also still around, governing the monastic body.

But apart from being a young ladies institution, the monastery nowadays offers housing for the profane. Any one can apply for the popular flats and apartments when a vacancy occurs. The compound is spacious, very pretty and peaceful. An idyllic setting almost fit for a self-sustaining commune. 

One of the oldest buildings on the compound is the gothic church (Basilica),

built between 1325 and 1340.

Newer building styles have been added over the course of time.

Traditional living quarters.

The residence of the Prioress in neo-classical style. She lives on the

ground floor, while the upper apartments are also rented.

The monastery oak is said to be about 800 years old.

For more blogposts about Schleswig-Holstein enter the key-word

Schleswig-Holstein into the search field in the upper right corner.

Schleswig-Holstein Gallery.