Gräfenthal Abbey

The foundation of Gräfenthal Monastery took place between 1250 and 1258 as a convent of the Cistercian Order. Count Otto II of Geldern initiated its establishment, with the name "Gräfenthal" deriving from the Latin term "vallis comitis" (valley of the count). The first nuns arrived from the Münsterabtei in Roermond. The monastery quickly flourished, supported by the Dukes of Geldern and Kleve, and often served as a provision for unmarried noblewomen. Until 1376, the monastery church was the final resting place for ten counts, countesses, and dukes of Geldern. In addition to extensive lands and possessions, the monastery also temporarily exercised patronage rights over several churches, solidifying its influence in the region. After more than 550 years, the monastery was secularized in 1802.

Gräfenthal Monastery is located in the municipality of Kleve in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Its geographical elevation is approximately 12 meters above sea level.

The historic buildings of the former monastery are now known as Gut Gräfenthal. The complex serves as an event venue and is used for markets and festivals.

• Driesberg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 3043 m away)
• Goch-Steintor Town Fortification (Town Fortification, approx. 4895 m away)
• Augustinian Canons Regular Monastery St. Maria, Gaesdonck (Monastery, approx. 5942 m away)
• Antonine Settlement Bedburg-Hau (Monastery, approx. 6898 m away)