Knightly history up close: 750 years of the Johanniter in Zittau!

Knightly history up close: 750 years of the Johanniter in Zittau!

An exciting exhibition on the history of the Order of St. John opens in Zittau. Under the title “750 Years of the Knights of St. John,” the municipal museums provide a unique insight into the past and development of this famous knightly order. From June 21 to October 26, 2025, the exhibition shows various aspects of the life of the Knights of St. John and their influence from its beginnings in the Holy Land to the present. How Sächsische.de reports, visitors can look forward to fascinating exhibits, including medieval manuscripts and paintings by Saxon Knights of St. John. A special highlight are the chalices from the Johanniter Hospital Dohna-Heidenau and a procession flag from the Malteserstift Räckelwitz.

Zittau has a long connection with the Johanniters, who have held patronage rights over the main church of St. Johannis since 1275. An exciting chapter in the history of the Knights of St. John in Saxony is also treated in the context of the Reformation. The exhibition not only addresses the order's military tasks, but also its adaptations to social changes over the centuries. The goal always remained unchanged: the defense of the Christian faith and service to others, which is emphasized today by institutions such as the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe and hospitals.

Interactive experiences for visitors

What is unique about this exhibition is the opportunity for visitors to try on pieces of knight's armor. This not only arouses curiosity, but also promises a fantastic experience for young and old. There is also an armory with various historical weapons. For the creative minds among the visitors, craft activities are offered at the end of the exhibition, e.g. the opportunity to design your own clock, like the one once made by Johann Gottfried Prasse. This unique exhibition runs parallel to the presentation "Ahead of his time! 300 years of the Zittau council clockmaker and mechanic Johann Gottfried Prasse (1725 - 1799)", which honors the impressive clockworks of the Zittau mechanic.

The dates for the exhibition “750 Years of St. John” in the Zittau City Museum have been set: Visitors can visit the exhibition on Tuesday, July 1st, Tuesday, July 8th, and Wednesday, July 16th, at 2 p.m. The accompanying watchmaking exhibition also offers creative and artistic workshops:on Thursday, July 3rd, Wednesday, July 9th and Tuesday, July 15th, also at 2 p.m.

A look into the history of the Order of St. John

The Order of St. John, founded between 1048 and 1071 in Jerusalem, is the oldest spiritual order of knights and has an eventful history behind it. Originally founded as a hospital for poor and sick pilgrims, the order was transformed under Raymond of Puy into a spiritual order of knights with military tasks. After centuries of existence and numerous challenges, such as the expulsion from the Holy Land and the losses during the Reformation, the order today concentrates on diaconal tasks and operates an extensive network of aid organizations.

Further information about the exhibition and the extensive accompanying program can be found on the museum's website www.museum-zittau.de to find. A visit is worthwhile not only for those interested in history, but for anyone who wants to discover the knightly values ​​of the past and their significance today.