St. Mary's Monastery in Helfta

St. Mary's Monastery in Helfta (Manuela Fischer)

In Helfta, the bridge between old and new is particularly successful. In the 13th century, the monastery was home to the three great mystics Mechthild of Magdeburg, Mechthild of Hakeborn and Gertrude the Great.

Even then, the nuns lived according to the rule of St Benedict and the customs of the Cistercians.

After the nuns were expelled from Helfta during the political turmoil of the 14th century, the monastery grounds were used for agricultural purposes for centuries.

It was not until 1999 that Helfta was rebuilt as a monastery. By skilfully combining the still standing church ruins with modern architecture, it was possible to move back into the church where the three holy women had already prayed.

Barrier-free information

Short Report as PDF

People with restricted mobility and wheelchair users

All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with walking disabilities".

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

There is a parking lot, but none for people with disabilities.
All rooms and facilities that can be used by guests are accessible without steps/at ground level or via an elevator. The crypt in the monastery church is an exception. This is only accessible via 4 high-contrast, illuminated steps. There are 2 handrails. One step is 18 cm high.
All doors/passages and paths that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 80 cm wide.
With the exception of the bathroom in room 19. The passage width is 68 cm.
There are no barrier-free rooms in the guest house.
Seating is available on the premises.
There is a public toilet for people with disabilities in the guest house, which can be accessed from one side (at least 80 cm). There is a folding grab rail on the accessible side of the toilet.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

People with hearing impairments and deaf people

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

There is no audio induction system available.
An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is only confirmed acoustically. Alternatively, stairs are available.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

People with visual impairments and blind people

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

Assistance dogs are welcome.
The signage (for orientation) is designed in easily legible and high-contrast lettering.
All elevated areas that can be used by guests are brightly lit and glare-free. The crypt in the monastery church is an exception.
An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically.
Stairs have visually contrasting edges on at least the first and last step.
Stairs have a handrail on one side.
Information is not available in Braille or prismatic writing.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

People with cognitive impairments