The Legacy of the Cistercians

The Legacy of the Cistercians – Germany

Directed by Inga Wolfram | 2019 | arte | MDR

Within 200 years the Cistercians founded 650 abbeys worldwide. In the twelfth century alone they founded 91 abbeys for men and 15 abbeys for women only on the territory that is modern day Germany. During the Middle Ages joining an Abbey could have been seen as an emancipatory act for women, as it was a way to avoid the rule of men. Women’s abbeys were also the only places at the time, where girls had the opportunity to learn to read and write. The film is exploring Cistercian history in Germany and focuses on, amongst others, the three still active abbeys: Waldsassen Abbey in Bavaria, St. Marienstern Abbey in Saxony and Wienhausen Abbey in Lower Saxony.