The Teutonic Order Museum at Bad Mergentheim - From its beginnings as a hospital order to a military order of knights

The Teutonic Order Museum in Bad Mergentheim opened in 1996. It presents 800 years of history, showing the evolution of the Teutonic Order from an order of knights at the time of the Crusades to a major force in medieval German politics, to the purely ecclesiastical order of the last century.

The Teutonic Order is a religious and military order of knights, whose symbol is a black cross pattée on a white background. The order of knights was founded in 1190 during the Third Crusade when a field hospital was set up near Acre in the Holy Land. It was recognised by Pope Clemens III the following year. From its origins as a hospital order, it was elevated to an order of knights in 1198.

It is the third largest order to be founded during the crusades in the Middle Ages, after the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (or the Maltese Order) and the Templars. For the clergy, typical attire consists of a white tunic with a black cross sewn onto the right side, as well as a cassock and a cross around their neck and on their chest. Mergentheim Castle served as the residence for the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order from 1527 until 1809.

The royal quarters of the former castle of the Teutonic Order give visitors an insight into the eminent status which the order once enjoyed. Using artworks, exhibits and information panels in an area covering over 3,000 square metres, the museum vividly presents the 800-year history of the Teutonic Order from its beginnings in 1190 up to the present day, including their campaigns in the Holy Land, Prussia and the Holy Roman Empire. Closed Mondays, except for bank holidays, guided tours on request.


Contact:
E-Mail: info@deutschordensmuseum.de
Internet: http://www.deutschordensmuseum.de/