A Brief History of the Cistercian Abbey in Lubiąż
The Cistercian Abbey in Lubiąż is one of the largest and most important monastic complexes in Central Europe.
The beginnings of monastic settlement in Lubiąż date back to the 11th century, when the Benedictines probably had their establishment here. However, the real development of the monastery began with the arrival of the Cistercians in 1163 from Pforta in Thuringia. They were brought by Duke Bolesław the Tall, who gave them lands in Lubiąż. The Cistercians, known for their diligence and management skills, quickly developed the monastery estates, establishing farms, fish ponds and mills. The abbey became an important economic, cultural and religious centre in Silesia.
During the Middle Ages, Lubiąż was one of the richest and most influential Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Its abbots played a significant role in the political and ecclesiastical life of the region. Valuable manuscripts were created here, craftsmanship developed, and the monastery library gathered rich collections.
The period of the Hussite Wars in the 15th century brought significant destruction and decline to the abbey. The monastery was burned and plundered, and the number of monks decreased significantly. Rebirth occurred in the second half of the 15th century and lasted through the 16th century, but on a smaller scale than during the period of glory.
The real rebirth and Baroque reconstruction of the abbey took place in the 17th and 18th centuries. Monumental buildings were built at that time, such as an impressive church, library, refectory and abbots' palace.
With the secularization of the monastic property in Prussia in 1810, the Lubiąż Abbey was dissolved. The monastery property was taken over by the Prussian state, and the buildings served various functions - from a psychiatric hospital, through warehouses, to barracks. Many valuable works of art and books were dispersed or destroyed.
After World War II, Lubiąż found itself within the borders of Poland. The condition of the buildings was dramatic – the monastery was neglected, devastated and gradually fell into ruin.
Only in recent decades have intensive conservation and revitalization works been undertaken. Since 1989, the management of the abbey has been taken over by the Lubiąż Foundation, which, together with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and EU funds, is conducting extensive renovation works. Thanks to this, it is gradually regaining its former glory and is being made available to visitors.
Currently, the Cistercian abbey in Lubiąż is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Lower Silesia and a testimony to the rich history of the region.