Brødremenigheden originated from Bohemia and Moravia in southern Germany, but were persecuted by the Catholic Church. Only in Herrnhut did they find peace. In 1771, Christian VII asked them to found a town in Denmark. This became Christiansfeld, founded in 1773 on the grounds of Tyrstrupgård.
The city was planned as a Christian community with wide streets and green spaces. The brothers, who were laymen and missionaries, were responsible for the construction themselves. The city was also intended to strengthen crafts and industry.
The Brødremenighedens Hotel was built at the same time and has been visited by every ruler since Christian VII. The hotel also played a role during the Second Schleswig War: On 18 July 1864 at 03:00, an armistice was signed here between Danish and Prussian officers. This paved the way for the peace negotiations in Vienna with Otto von Bismarck.
