Wonder how a bishop’s summer residence transformed into a serene monastery? That is the story of Hegne. Today, we stand before Hegne, a part of Allensbach. It sits near Konstanz. Hegne is nestled on the edge of the Bodanrück forest. About 1000 people call Hegne home. This place offers more than just a pretty view.
Hegne’s story is quite interesting. Schloss Hegne, or Hegne Castle, likely dates back to the 16th century. Some believe an older castle or noble residence stood here before. The first written record of the property appeared in 1570. Hans Christoph von Knöringen sold it to Sebastian von Roth. Later, his widow and daughters sold it to Stefan Wohlgmuet zu Mutburg. He was the bailiff of the Bishopric of Konstanz.
In 1591, Hegne became property of the Bishopric of Konstanz. Cardinal and Bishop Andreas von Österreich transformed the medieval castle. It became a Renaissance-style summer residence for the bishops of Konstanz. They added a chapel to the manor house. They expanded the grounds and created a park. They even built a menagerie. But the menagerie closed shortly after Andreas von Österreich died due to costs.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Protestant troops looted Hegne in 1642. They were stationed at Hohentwiel Fortress. They had repeatedly tried to seize Konstanz. Konstanz was controlled by the Catholic Habsburgs. After the war, repairs and renovations took place. Hegne remained the property of the Bishopric of Konstanz until 1803. This was due to secularization.
After 1803, Hegne had several owners. In 1863, Isaac Dreyfus Söhne & Cie. bought the estate. They broke up the property and sold the parts for profit. In 1866, they sold the castle and farm buildings to the Konstanz district association. From 1866 to 1878, the castle housed an orphanage. The farm building housed an agricultural school.
In 1879, Werner de Weerth bought the property. He significantly altered the building in the Neo-Renaissance style until 1882. The exterior was remodeled. But the outer walls, the two corner towers, and the octagonal staircase tower remained. The chapel was lost during this renovation. In its place, the Hegne village chapel was built. It was consecrated in 1879.
In 1892, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross acquired Hegne. They established a monastery there. In 1895, it became the seat of the Baden-Hohenzollern province of the congregation. Today, it is the Baden-Württemberg province.
Kloster Hegne is a place of pilgrimage. Many visit the tomb of Blessed Ulrika von Hegne in the crypt of the St. Konrad monastery church. The sisters also run the St. Elisabeth guesthouse, the Maria Hilf nursing home, and the Marianum school.
The castle has served various purposes over the years. Initially, it housed the small monastery. Later, it was used for specific tasks. From 1925 to 1927, it temporarily housed a newly founded domestic science school. During World War II, mothers and children evacuated from industrial regions found refuge here. From 1949 to 1976, the castle was a training center for candidates and novices. Since 1985, Schloss Hegne has served as a novitiate for the monastery and the Baden-Württemberg province.
The exterior of Schloss Hegne was restored in 1965 and 1966. During this work, older masonry was discovered. This led to speculation about a possible predecessor building. From 1976 to 1978, the interior was redesigned. Smaller, modern rooms replaced the large interior spaces. A new chapel was added in the basement in 1996 and 1997. Since 2003, a renovated historical hall has been available for events.
Hegne is more than just a location. It is a place of faith, education, and history. It offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and spirituality here. It is a truly special place.