Güterstein Abbey

The origins of the Carthusian Monastery of Güterstein date back to the early 13th century, when Konrad von Urach, a cardinal and Cistercian abbot general, founded a monastery. After the Counts of Urach withdrew from the Erms Valley, Benedictine monks from Zwiefalten Abbey took over the complex, which became a pilgrimage site with a chapel dedicated to Mary in the 14th century. In 1439, Carthusian monks took over the monastery at the request of the Württemberg Counts Ludwig I and Ulrich V, who hoped for reforms from the order. Güterstein expanded its landholdings and served as the burial place for the Counts of Württemberg, who resided in Urach, from 1441/1442.