Merxhausen Abbey

The foundation of Kloster Merxhausen occurred in 1213 by the lords Hermann and Dietrich von Blumenstein von Dörnberg, confirmed by the Archbishop of Mainz. Initially conceived as a double monastery for Augustinian canons and pious women, it was consecrated under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. During the 13th century, the canons left the monastery, after which it served as a nunnery. Following a devastating fire in 1475 and subsequent decay, monastic life was temporarily suspended. In 1489, the nunnery was dissolved and handed over to the Windesheim Congregation. Augustinian canons from Böddeken took over the complex and rebuilt it. The secularization and final dissolution of Kloster Merxhausen took place in 1527 as part of the Reformation in Hesse. From 1533, it was utilized as a 'Hohes Hospital' (High Hospital) for the impoverished rural population.