Heilig Kreuz Abbey

The origins of the Heilig Kreuz Monastery can be traced back to around 1110, when it was founded as a Benedictine monastery. Originally established as a nunnery around 1040 by Mangold I von Werd, it was later converted into a monastery for men and relocated to the highest point within Donauwörth's city walls. After suffering damage during the Thirty Years' War, the west wing was rebuilt starting in 1680, followed by the south and east wings around 1700 under Valerian Brenner, incorporating the medieval cloister. Abbot Amandus Röls initiated a new church building after the War of the Spanish Succession. During the Rococo era (1770/1780), the monastery underwent further alterations and expansions. Joseph Schmuzer was the master builder of the monastery church, while Franz Schmuzer created the stucco work and the high altar.