Preetz Abbey

The Benedictine convent in Preetz was founded in 1211 or 1212 under Count Albrecht von Orlamünde. After several changes of location, including Marienfelde, Erpesfelde, and Lutterbek, the monastery was finally moved to its current site in Preetz in 1260. Bishop Berthold of Lübeck consecrated it to the Virgin Mary in 1244. The monastery received endowments, particularly from Adolf IV of Schauenburg, who granted it lands. After a fire in 1307, the abbey church and cloister were completely rebuilt, with the form of the church emerging between 1325 and 1340. In the late 15th century, the convent joined the Bursfelde Congregation, which sought a return to Benedictine origins. The Reformation led to the introduction of Protestant preachers from 1526, and the monastery lost its status as a Benedictine convent.

Preetz Abbey is located in the town of Preetz in the Plön district, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 24 m above sea level.

Today, Preetz Abbey serves as a foundation. A preserved abbey church is found here. The abbey archive houses documents and a library with post-medieval holdings. The complex also includes several historic buildings, among them the Prioress's House and the Provost's House.