Reichenstein Abbey

The origins of Reichenstein Monastery lie in a hilltop castle, built in the second half of the 11th century by the Counts of Limburg to secure their possessions. As the castle's location did not meet the requirements for a fortification, the Dukes of Limburg donated the complex to the Premonstratensian Order between 1131 and 1137. The monastery founded here was initially a double monastery until approximately 1250. After the canons moved to Steinfeld Monastery, Reichenstein remained a Premonstratensian nunnery until 1487. Subsequently, canons from Steinfeld re-settled the monastery. In 1543, Reichenstein was destroyed during the Third Guelders War but was rebuilt thereafter. The re-consecration of the rebuilt monastery church took place in 1693. The decline of the monastery began in 1794 with the French occupation, and in 1802, it was dissolved as part of the secularization. The monastic property then passed into private hands.