Knightly history up close: 750 years Johanniter in Zittau!

Knightly history up close: 750 years Johanniter in Zittau!

Zittau, Deutschland - In Zittau, an exciting exhibition on the history of the Order of St. John is opened. Under the title "750 Years of Johanniter", the city museums give a unique insight into the past and the development of this famous order of knights. From June 21 to October 26, 2025, the exhibition shows various aspects of the life of the Johanniter and their influence from the beginnings in the Holy Land to the present. As sächsische.de look forward to medieval manuscripts and paintings of Saxon Johanniter. A special highlight are the goblets from the Johanniter Hospital Dohna-Heidenau and a procession flag from the Räckelwitz Maltese Abbey.

Zittau has a long connection to the Johannitern, who have held the patronage law over the main church of St. Johannis since 1275. An exciting chapter in St. John's History in Saxony is also dealt with in the context of the Reformation. The exhibition not only addresses the military tasks of the order, but also its adaptations to the social changes over the centuries. The goal always remained unchanged: the defense of the Christian faith and the service, which is underlined by institutions such as Johanniter accident aid and hospitals today.

interactive experiences for visitors

Unique at this exhibition, the possibility for visitors is to try out parts of a knighthood. This not only arouses curiosity, but also promises a fantastic experience for young and old. There is also a armory with various historical weapons. For the creative minds among visitors, craft campaigns are offered at the end of the exhibition, e.g. the opportunity to design their own watch, as was once made by Johann Gottfried Prasse. This unique exhibition runs in parallel to the presentation "of its time! 300 years of Zittauer Council maker and Mechanics Johann Gottfried Prasse (1725 - 1799)", which recognizes the impressive clock works of the Zittau mechanic.

The dates for the exhibition "750 Years Johanniter" in the Zittau city museum are determined: Visitors can visit the exhibition on Tuesday, July 1st, Tuesday, July 8th and Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. The accompanying watchmaker exhibition also offers creative-artistic workshops on : on Thursday, July 3., Wednesday, July 9th and Tuesday, July 15th, also at 2 p.m.

A look at the history of the Order of John

The Order of St. John, founded between 1048 and 1071 in Jerusalem, is the oldest spiritual order of knights and has had a moving story. Originally launched as a hospital for the poor and sick pilgrims, the order changed into a spiritual order of knights with military tasks under Raimund from Puy. After centuries and numerous challenges, such as the expulsion from the Holy Land and the losses during the Reformation, the order now focuses on diaconal tasks and operates a far -reaching network of aid organizations.

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