Germany is not only a land of picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture but also home to countless treasures of medieval architecture. Among these, the Templar buildings constructed by the historic Order of Knights Templar are remarkable. Although primarily a military organization, the Templars profoundly influenced the architectural landscape, leaving behind a rich legacy. This article will guide you to some of the fascinating Templar buildings you must visit in Germany.
Were There Knights Templar from Germany?Â
There were Knights Templar from Germany, reflecting the truly international character of this medieval Christian military order. Founded in the early 12th century, the Order of the Knights Templar quickly spread across Europe and the Holy Land, drawing recruits from various territories and nations, including the Holy Roman Empire, encompassing modern-day Germany.
German knights played a significant role within the Templar Order. Many joined, inspired by the Templars’ dual mission to protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land and to fight against the Muslims during the Crusades. The Order’s structure and commanderies, akin to provinces or states, were established across the German territories. It attracted knights, nobles, and commoners who offered their services or donated lands and resources to the Order.
The Order’s presence in Germany was quite substantial. Templar estates and commanderies have been identified in areas including Brandenburg, Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia. These commanderies served various functions, from administrative and recruitment centers to farming estates that supported the Order financially.
Prominent German Templars included figures like Brother Heinrich of Strateich, mentioned in historical documents as a preceptor in the Holy Land. He was involved in various transactions and decision-making processes, suggesting his influence within the Order.
While the Templars were suppressed in the early 14th century, their legacy in Germany lived on. The Templar buildings, including castles, manors, and chapels, still dot the German landscape, bearing testament to the Order’s influence and the participation of German knights in their ranks. Their intriguing history continues to captivate scholars, historians, and tourists, marking an enduring chapter of Germany’s rich medieval past.
Templar House, Berlin
The Templar House in Berlin, better known as Tempelhof, is the first Templar site on our list. Once a key Templar commandery, the complex was turned into a working farm after the order’s dissolution. Although much of the original structure was destroyed during the Second World War, the estate was meticulously restored in the late 20th century. Today, the Templar House stands as a remarkable testimony to the austere beauty and simplicity that defined Templar architecture. It’s a living history lesson that offers a unique perspective on the past.
Templar Castle of Starkenburg
Located in the charming town of Starkenburg, the Templar Castle is an architectural marvel from the 12th century. The castle was a significant Templar commandery until the order’s suppression in the early 14th century. Even in its partially ruined state, the castle still bears the signature of the Templars – the prominent cross pattée on the gatehouse. A visit to the Starkenburg Castle offers an immersive experience in medieval architecture and the intriguing history of the Templars.
Templar Chapel, Weimar
Nestled in the cultural city of Weimar, the Templar Chapel is one of Germany’s few surviving Templar religious buildings. Built in the Romanesque style, the chapel features a semicircular apse, a hallmark of Templar architecture. The well-preserved frescoes and Templar symbols within the chapel provide a rich visual narrative of the Templar’s spiritual beliefs and practices. The chapel’s serene surroundings offer a perfect setting for contemplation and historical exploration.
Commandery of Nieder-Weisel
The Commandery of Nieder-Weisel, located in the Hessian town of Butzbach, stands as a testament to the Templars’ expansive influence. The Commandery is an ensemble of buildings, including a church, residential quarters, and service buildings – all laid out according to the classic Templar plan. While much of the complex has undergone modifications over the centuries, the essence of the Templar architecture is still palpable. Walking through the Commandery is like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages.
Templar Manor, Elsenz
Elsenz is a quaint village in Heilbronn, boasting one of the finest examples of Templar residential architecture. The Templar Manor, once a prosperous farmstead of the Templars, is now a beautifully preserved monument. The manor’s distinctive red sandstone walls and rustic timber frames exude an old-world charm. Inside, it offers a peek into the Templar’s way of life, complete with period furnishings and artifacts.
Templar Church, Hörstel
The Templar Church in Hörstel is a hidden gem. Originally constructed as part of a Templar preceptory, the church was eventually converted into a parish church. The church’s unique layout, with its circular nave modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, makes it a standout amongst Templar buildings. Beautifully preserved, the Templar Church still serves as a place of worship, bearing the Templar’s spiritual legacy.
The Templar Treasure: Myths and Facts in Germany
The stories surrounding the Templar treasure are as captivating as they are elusive. Rooted in the Templars’ wealth and secretive nature, these tales have stirred imaginations for centuries, fostering myths of hidden gold, sacred relics, and arcane knowledge.
In Germany, as elsewhere, the legend of the Templar treasure is deeply woven into local folklore. Some tales allude to the Templars smuggling their treasure to Germany during their downfall in the 14th century, hiding it in secret vaults within their strongholds, like the Templar Castle of Starkenburg.
However, these narratives often blend fact with fiction, rendering the truth elusive. While it’s well-documented that the Templars accumulated substantial wealth – through donations, estates, and banking operations – evidence of a “hidden treasure” remains scant. After the Order’s dissolution, most Templar assets were transferred to the rival Order of the Knights Hospitaller or confiscated by the secular authorities.
The “Templar treasure” may not denote physical wealth alone. It could also represent the Templars’ spiritual heritage, architectural innovations, and influence on medieval society, which are significant treasures in their own right.
Thus, while the enthralling myth of a buried Templar treasure persists, the Order’s true legacy in Germany, tangible and intangible, continues to be an enduring source of fascination.
The Legacy of Templars in Germany
The Knights Templar, the enigmatic medieval order, left an indelible mark on Germany’s historical, architectural, and cultural fabric. The legacy they left behind remains an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage, manifesting in various ways that continue to resonate even centuries after the Order’s dissolution.
Architectural Legacy
Perhaps the most tangible legacy of the Templars in Germany is their architectural imprint. A range of buildings, including churches, castles, commanderies, and manors, bear testament to the Templars’ presence in the region. These structures exhibit the unique blend of military functionality and austere aesthetics that characterized Templar architecture. Buildings such as the Templar House in Berlin, the Templar Castle of Starkenburg, and the Templar Chapel in Weimar serve as architectural marvels and portals to the medieval era.
Cultural Influence
The Templars have deeply influenced German folklore and storytelling. They often feature in tales and legends as heroic, mysterious figures, reflecting their historical role as Christian warriors and their enduring allure as a secretive order. These narratives have permeated literature, cinema, and even video games, highlighting the enduring fascination with the Templars.
Historical Impact
The Templars contributed to the development of Germany during the Middle Ages. They played a key role in local economies, managing vast farming estates and engaging in trade, banking, and other commercial activities. Their commanderies served as local administrative centers, influencing the development of many towns and cities.
Modern-Day Reverence
Modern Templar-inspired organizations, such as the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (OSMTH), have chapters in Germany. While not direct descendants of the medieval Templars, these organizations aim to uphold the chivalric principles associated with the Order, signifying the enduring resonance of the Templar ethos.
Therefore, the legacy of the Templars in Germany is multifaceted and enduring. From the physical remnants of their architecture to their enduring presence in cultural narratives and modern societies, the Templars’ influence continues to be a fascinating aspect of Germany’s rich history.
Conclusion: Tracing Templar Footprints
The Templar buildings in Germany are a captivating mix of history, spirituality, and architecture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler searching for unique experiences, these Templar landmarks offer a glimpse into an era long past yet vividly alive within their stone walls. Visiting these sites not only provides an opportunity to appreciate medieval architecture but also allows you to trace the footprints of the Templars, unveiling the order’s fascinating history and enduring influence.
As you embark on this journey, remember that the true beauty of these Templar buildings lies not only in their architectural grandeur but also in the stories they tell, the history they hold, and the timeless connection they create between the past and the present. Happy exploring!