Exhibition Słońsk – Station 7:
The panel shows the work of Johann Moritz von Nassau-Siegen, who, as master of the Order of St. John, ensured reconstruction and stability in the Oder-Warthe region after the Thirty Years’ War.
The Thirty Years’ War (1618-48) left devastation and misery throughout the Mark Brandenburg. To revive the economy, Elector Frederick William brought Dutch builders and experienced administrators into the country. Among them was the worldly experienced Prince Johann Moritz of Nassau Siegen, who became a decisive promoter of Brandenburg culture and science. With his appointment as Herrenmeister in 1652, the Elector intended to promote the economic development of the hitherto neglected Neumärk region.
Johann Moritz, always accompanied by architects, civil servants, scientists and artists, created administrative structures capable of action and had deserted peasant positions reoccupied. Guaranteed security of tenure for peasants, coopers and cottagers was a cornerstone of the successful settlement policy and the gradual elimination of war damage.
Under his leadership, the estates in Brandenburg developed to new heights after the Thirty Years’ War. He had Sonnenburg Castle rebuilt on the Dutch model, also restored the late Gothic church and supported immigrants with benefits. The sustained economic upswing and the engineering feat of draining the Warthebruch helped the bailiwick achieve European renown.
To this day, the memory of Johann Moritz of Nassau-Siegen is preserved in the region, e.g. through the tradition of the Moritz Festival (also known as the Mauriciade).
