Geisenfeld Abbey

The Geisenfeld Monastery was founded between 1030 and 1037 by Count Eberhard von Ebersberg. The Benedictine abbey, dedicated to Saints Mary and Zeno, grew to become one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Bavaria at the time. Its extensive landholdings included 189 properties in surrounding villages by 1752, as well as lands in Gaimersheim, Langquaid, and even a vineyard in Austria. Large forest and field areas also belonged to the monastery's possessions. The abbey operated various crafts such as a brewery, saddlery, mill, bakery, and an apothecary. In 1336, Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian is said to have granted the monastery lower jurisdiction, which remained in effect until its secularization. In the 15th century, the Melk monastic reform was implemented. During the Thirty Years' War, the monastery was plundered in 1632, and its buildings were severely damaged in 1648.