Augustinerchorherrenstift St. Nikola Abbey

The monastery of St. Nikola was founded between 1067 and 1073. Initially dedicated to Saint Andrew, its patronage shifted to Saint Nicholas in the 13th century. Following a period of expulsion for the canons during the Investiture Controversy, the abbey was re-established around 1111. In 1248, the patronage rights transferred from the Bishops of Passau to the Bavarian Dukes, subsequently placing the monastic complex within Bavarian territory. The 15th century saw criticism of monastic life, as documented by a visitation from Nicholas Cusanus. The Reformation reached St. Nikola in the 16th century, leading to the flight of Provost Thomas Gunner, who had converted to Lutheranism. The Counter-Reformation only gained a foothold later. From 1666, the abbots were granted the right to wear the mitre. In 1348, an earthquake destroyed the original church, leading to a Gothic reconstruction. The tower was built between 1410 and 1420.