Irsee Abbey

The origins of Kloster Irsee date back to around 1185, when it was founded as a Benedictine monastery. The abbey's patron saint was Mary, supplemented by the co-patrons Peter and Paul. Throughout its history, the monastery developed into an important spiritual and cultural institution. In the 16th century, it attained the status of an Imperial Abbey, which secured the abbot a seat in the Imperial Diet. The complex was destroyed during the Peasants' War in 1525 but rebuilt by 1535. After the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, Irsee experienced a new period of prosperity from the second half of the 17th century, characterized by vibrant scientific and artistic activity.