Söflingen Abbey

The origins of the Poor Clares' convent in Söflingen date back to 1237, when a community of pious women emerged on the banks of the Danube west of Ulm. These sisters were bound to the Rule of San Damiano by Pope Gregory IX in 1239, a rule initiated by Clare of Assisi. Before 1258, the monastery was moved to Söflingen, where Willibirgis von Helfenstein donated land for the construction of a monastery for 72 sisters. The monastery quickly developed into a significant center for the spread of the Poor Clares' Order in Upper Germany and was involved in the founding of other monasteries. In the 14th century, the sisters lived according to the Rule of Pope Urban IV, which combined strict enclosure with extensive possessions. Despite being placed under the protection of the Imperial City of Ulm in 1356/57 and having many freedoms confirmed by Emperor Charles IV in 1368, centuries of disputes with Ulm ensued. Following a bull by Pope Sixtus IV in 1483, the monastery was placed under the Observant movement in 1484 and experienced an internal and economic renewal under the reform abbess Elisabeth Reichner, leading to the rebuilding of the monastery in 1492. Even after the Reformation in Ulm, the monastery managed to maintain its political independence and Catholic faith, although attempts at reformation continued until the 17th century. During the Thirty Years' War, the monastery suffered under both warring parties and sought refuge in Ulm between 1643 and 1648. After the war, it recovered.

The Poor Clares' Monastery of St. Klara is located in Ulm, a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 486 m above sea level.

The former monastery grounds, now known as “Klosterhof” (Monastery Courtyard), house the former monastery church and several economic buildings, including the former monastery mill and the brewery, which now serve various purposes.

• Bundesfestung Ulm-Fort Unterer Eselsberg (Fortress, approx. 1613 m away)
• Bundesfestung Ulm-Fort Oberer Kuhberg (Fortress, approx. 1721 m away)
• Bundesfestung Ulm-Mittelbastion (Fortress, approx. 1839 m away)
• Bundesfestung Ulm-Courtine mit Blaubeurer Tor (Fortress, approx. 1891 m away)