Prüfening Abbey

The Prüfening Monastery was founded in 1109 by Bishop Otto I of Bamberg as a Benedictine abbey. The consecration of the monastery church of St. George took place in 1119, as evidenced by the Prüfening consecration inscription. Monks from Hirsau settled the monastery under the leadership of the first abbot, Erminold. In the 12th century, an extensive monastic library developed, comprising about 300 works. The monastery played an important role in the settlement of other monasteries such as Banz and Münchsmünster. Between 1189 and 1803, the monastery secured the right to ferry across the Danube, whose revenues were a significant source. During the Thirty Years' War, it served as quarters for Bavarian troops.