Exhibition “1525 – Peasants’ War in Upper Swabia”

How did farmers cultivate the land 500 years ago? How was the village organized, and what conditions led to the Peasants' War of 1525? Where did the fighting take place in our region, and what were the consequences of the "Weingartner Treaty"? March 19, 2026 – November 11, 2026 | Zehntscheuer Gessenried in the Allgäu-Oberschwaben Farmhouse Museum in Wolfegg Curated by: ANDREA SCHRECK / DR. TANJA KREUTZER 500 years ago, world history was made in Upper Swabia and the Allgäu region! In 1525, the peasants rose up in a large, organized rebellion against their lords and formulated ideas of freedom and equality for all people in the 12 Articles of Memmingen. Large peasant armies occupied monasteries and castles and eventually marched against the army of the secular and ecclesiastical lords. Part of this history took place right on our doorstep, for example in Weißenau, Weingarten, Wurzach, Leutkirch, Wolfegg, and Kißlegg. To commemorate this event, the Farmhouse Museum is presenting the special exhibition "1525 – Peasants' War in Upper Swabia" from March 22. How did farmers cultivate the land 500 years ago, and what conditions led to the Peasants' War of 1525? What role did the Reformation and the nearby example of Switzerland play in this, where did the fighting take place in our region, and what were the consequences of the "Weingartner Treaty"? The exhibition attempts to answer these questions with selected exhibits and numerous image sources. It describes the background, events, and consequences of the Peasants' War from the perspective of the peasant population, as well as with a focus on places and people in Upper Swabia and the Allgäu region. Gain insights into 500 years of world history that was written right on our doorstep! The exhibition is located in the historic tithe barn of Weißenau Monastery—a witness to history that is depicted in Abbot Murer's chronicle of events. Travel with us five hundred years into the past, explore the living conditions and motivations of the peasants, and ask yourself universal questions about the causes of violence or the value of freedom!