Grünhain had its first documentary mention in 1150.
The location on the salt road from Halle (Saale) to the Preßnitzer Pass and on to Bohemia convinced Cistercian monks to come and found a monastery here.
In 1276, Grünhain was granted town rights.
Until the 15th century, the monastery extended its sphere of influence, mainly through donations.
At the onset of the Reformation, the monastery held sway over more than 56 villages and three towns.
The Reformation and the Thirty Years' War were the monastery's downfall.
Grünhain had its first documentary mention in 1150. The location on the salt road from Halle (Saale) to the Preßnitzer Pass and on to Bohemia convinced Cistercian monks to come and found a monastery here. In 1276, Grünhain was granted town rights. Until the 15th century, the monastery extended its sphere of influence, mainly through donations. At the onset of the Reformation, the monastery held sway over more than 56 villages and three towns. The Reformation and the Thirty Years' War were the monastery's downfall.
Grünhain-Beierfeld