Gnadenthal Abbey

The history of Gnadenthal Monastery begins in 1276 with the founding of a women's community by Diemuth Trailacher and Margareta von Puch in Ingolstadt. These Beguines dedicated themselves to caring for the poor and sick and placed their community under the Third Rule of St. Francis, which is why they were also known as Tertiaries. Initially organized as a rule house, the community grew steadily, leading to the opening of a second rule house in 1329. Over the course of the 15th century, the desire for a more formal monastic structure developed. This led to its transformation into a convent in 1468, when four members of the community took vows and joined the Franciscans. The monastery, dedicated to St.