Zinzendorf family

Not to be confused with Sinzendorf.

Coat of arms of the House of Zinzendorf and Pottendorf, belonging to both Austrian and German nobility (1605)

The House of Zinzendorf and Pottendorf was the name of an old and important noble family whose origins are in Austria. It is not to be mistaken with the princely House of Sinzendorf, as the two don't share same ancestry.

History

The family was firstly mentioned in 1114 in a document written by Hermann von Vohburg, Bishop of Augsburg. At first, their estates were all near St. Poelten which is roughly between Vienna and Salzburg. During the reformation, many of the Zinzendorfs became Lutherans and, because of their religious belief, they were forced to leave Austria. Nevertheless they made sure that at least one member stayed Catholic - to look after their vast estates back in Austria. Apart from their possessions in Austria, they also reigned over the Lordship of Pottendorf in Baden, which was incorporated into their name as Zinzendorf und Pottendorf.

In 1460 they were awarded with the title of Baron by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, while in 1662 they were raised to the dignity of Imperial Count by Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Notable members

• Countess Erdmuthe Dorothea von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (1700-1756), German Pietist and hymn writer
• Countess Anna von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (1715-1760), Moravian Brethren missionary (Missionarin) and lyrical poet
• Count Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf, Leader of the Moravian Church (died 1752)
• Count Karl von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (died 1813), official in the Austrian government and diarist
• Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (died 1760), European religious and social reformer

Properties of Zinzendorf und Pottendorf family

• 
  Castle Karlstetten, Lower Austria
• 
  Castle Wasserburg, Austria
• 
  Castle Pottendorf, Baden
• 
  Burg Schwarzenbach, Lower Austria
• 
  Herrnhut palace
• 
  Berthelsdorf castle