Arendsee Abbey

Margrave Otto I and his wife Adelheid founded Arendsee Abbey in 1183. It was subordinate to the Diocese of Verden and served to consolidate Ascania's claims to power. Construction of the abbey church, dedicated to Mary, John, and Nicholas, began in 1185; it was consecrated in 1208 and completed around 1240. The abbey buildings, parts of which are still preserved today, were erected in the mid-13th century. A monastic school for noble children was established around 1232. A provost's chapel was added around 1280 between the transept and the southern aisle and later raised by one floor. In 1481, 70 nuns lived in the monastery. Elector Joachim II secularized the monastery in 1540, transforming it into a Protestant women's convent for noblewomen. The monastic estates subsequently formed the sovereign office of Arendsee. The convent was dissolved in 1812.