Kloster zum Heiligen Kreuz (Convent of the Holy Cross), Rostock

The Monastery of the Holy Cross was established in 1270 through the munificent endowment of Margaret, Queen of Denmark, and her cousin Waldemar of Rostock. According to legend, the founding of the convent was an act of atonement. It is believed that Margaret, during her pilgrimage to Rome, brought with her a precious relic—a splinter from the cross of Christ. This sacred relic bestowed its name upon the institution, which became known as the Convent of the Holy Cross.

The abbey received papal authorization from Pope Innocent II in 1276, marking its official status. After her passing in 1282, Queen Margaret was laid to rest in the Doberan Monastery, her final resting place. The Convent of the Holy Cross remained a place of devotion and spirituality, housing the venerated relic.

In August 1920, the abbey faced a turning point as it was dissolved. However, its historical significance endured. Today, the former monastery complex, comprising a church (now serving as a university church), cloister, and refectory, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this institution.

The Monastery of the Holy Cross has found new purpose as the seat of the Rostock Museum of Cultural History. This museum, one of the oldest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, houses a vast and invaluable collection that spans cultural and art history. Its diverse array of exhibits encompasses painting, graphics, arts and crafts, coins, furniture, militaria, everyday culture, and archaeology. As a repository of cultural treasures, it preserves and celebrates the rich tapestry of history, art, and heritage that defines the region and beyond.