Gertrudenberg Abbey

The origins of the monastery grounds trace back to the late 8th century, when a Carolingian St. Michael's Chapel was built there, possibly on the site of a pre-Christian sanctuary. Bishop Benno II of Osnabrück (1068–1088) intended to found a Benedictine nunnery dedicated to Saint Gertrude, but initially failed due to resistance from the canonesses from Herzebrock. Nevertheless, an initial monastery church was constructed. The actual founding of Gertrudenberg Monastery occurred around 1140 under Bishop Udo of Steinfurt. Under his successor Philipp von Katzenelnbogen, the Benedictine rules were established. An enlarged church building was erected, utilizing existing foundations. After a possible destruction in the early 13th century, the monastery church in its current form was completed between 1230 and 1235. The monastery benefited from donations and economic ventures, leading to prosperity.