Ever wondered where the name Heilgeiststraße comes from? Here, at the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist, lies the answer. This isn’t just a building, it’s a journey through Stralsund’s history. The Kloster zum Heiligen Geist has a rich past.
Founded as the Hospital St. Spiritus in 1256, it was first mentioned in a document. The city of Stralsund gifted a field to the hospital. Back then, it stood within the city walls, its street named Heilgeiststraße. But, the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist wasn’t always here.
In the late 1320s, it moved to the edge of Stralsund. This new location, near the Langenkanal-Kai, wasn’t as safe. The Kloster zum Heiligen Geist faced frequent attacks. Sieges, cannon fire, looting, and destruction became common.
Despite these challenges, the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist grew. By the end of the 14th century, the Heilgeistkirche was built. It became part of the complex. The complex includes the hospital, a guest house called Elendenhaus built around 1641, and a gallery. This gallery was rebuilt in the 18th century and became a model for the Stralsund Rathaus courtyard.
The Kloster zum Heiligen Geist also owns several timber-framed houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Together, they form a unique complex with various purposes. Generous donations helped the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist prosper. In 1285, Hinricus Albus donated land on Rügen.
In 1340, the islands of Ummanz and Hiddensee became Kloster zum Heiligen Geist property. Other villages like Arendsee and Kedingshagen also came under its ownership. From the 17th century, the monastery even acquired houses in Stralsund. The Kloster zum Heiligen Geist provided care for the poor and travelers. People could live here in old age by making a financial contribution.
During the GDR era, the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist suffered neglect. Reconstruction plans in the 1980s stalled, and the building nearly faced demolition. Thankfully, the 1990s brought full restoration. The Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz contributed significantly to the restoration.
Today, the Kloster zum Heiligen Geist is a major landmark. Since 2002, it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is part of the Historic Old Towns of Stralsund and Wismar. The Heilgeisthospital, with its church, stands as a testament to Stralsund’s history. The buildings at Heilgeistkloster 1-23 are listed as monuments in Stralsund. Today the houses and apartments are rented by individuals and families. The monastery never served as a monastery. It was always a municipal institution. The Heilgeistkirche is now the parish church of the Heilgeist-Jakobi congregation.