Niederschönenfeld Abbey

The monastery of Niederschönenfeld was founded in 1241 by Count Berchthold III of Lechsgemünd/Graisbach. Originally settled by Beguines from Burgheim, they adopted the Cistercian monastic rules. Pope Innocent IV placed the new foundation under the protection of the Holy See in 1254. The monastery, dedicated to Saint George, became part of Bavaria in 1342 with the County of Graisbach and developed into one of the wealthiest monasteries in the region. In the 14th century, it temporarily housed about 100 nuns. The abbots of Kaisheim Abbey were responsible for supervising the women's monastery. Wars and looting, particularly during the Schmalkaldic War in 1546 and the Thirty Years' War, led to significant destruction and a decline in wealth. After the Battle of Rain am Lech in 1632, the monastery was destroyed, and the convent fled. In 1646, it suffered further destruction by French and Swedish troops. Following the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, reconstruction took place at the original site. In 1803, the monastery was dissolved as a result of secularization.

Niederschönenfeld Monastery is situated in Niederschönenfeld in the Donau-Ries district of Bavaria, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 404 meters above sea level.

The former monastery church of Mariä Himmelfahrt (Assumption of Mary) now serves as the village's parish church. A part of the complex is used as a correctional facility. The pilgrimage church of Heilig-Kreuz (Holy Cross), which belongs to the correctional facility complex, is only accessible to the public on the two feast days of the Cross.

• Former Monastery Stables (Monastery, approx. 76 m away)
• Old Rain Castle (Castle, approx. 3212 m away)
• Genderkingen Castle (Castle, approx. 3952 m away)
• Schweinspoint Castle (Castle, approx. 3959 m away)