Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa left in 1162 a total of 275 square kilometres of land to margrave von Meissen with the task of cultivating it. This job was then handed over to the Cistercian order which at this time had just begun spreading out from Burgundy. It developed to one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in Germany. Even as early as in the 15th century the monastery owned an important library, which made science in Altzella blossom.

However, with Reformation the monastery was dissolved and the library handed over to Leipzig University. The monastery dilapidated. Around 1800 A.D. a romantic park was compiled and the ruin included. Particularly the mighty beech trees, the Romanesque main entrance of the monastery as well as the restored Lapidarium make Altzella monastery park worth visiting.

More information (also in Czesky and Polski): http://www.schloesserland-sachsen.de/en/palaces_castles_and_gardens/monasteries/altzella_monastery_park/

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