Heidenheim Abbey

The Heidenheim Monastery was founded in 752 by Saint Wunibald, who established it as a missionary outpost in the Sualafeld region. After his death in 761, his sister, Saint Walburga, took over leadership and continued it as a Benedictine double monastery. Miracles at Wunibald's tomb led to the reinterment of his remains in 777 in the new east choir of the stone church under construction, which was consecrated in 778. After Walburga's death, the character of the monastery changed, and it became a collegiate church for secular canons. In the 12th century, efforts were made to restore Benedictine life. After negotiations, Heidenheim became a Benedictine monastery again in 1155, until it was dissolved in 1537 during the Reformation. The monastery buildings served as residences and offices until 1805.