The Rudolstadt Handwerkerhof is located in the middle of the historic town center below Heidecksburg Castle. Built in 1513, the main building has housed single ladies of noble birth since 1759 as the Bernhardinen-Stift. A magnificent coat of arms on the renovated entrance portal in Stiftsgasse commemorates the founder, Princess Bernhardine Christiane Sophie von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. The ladies' convent existed until 1945.

With funding from the Chamber of Crafts, the fire-damaged house was reconstructed in 1991/92 and extended into a craftsman's courtyard. Small stores with artisan products and restaurants in the picturesque inner courtyard make the Handwerkerhof a tourist gem in the old town.