Riddagshausen Abbey

In 1145, Cistercian monks from Amelungsborn settled in the area and founded the daughter monastery Marienzelle, which soon adopted the name of the neighboring village of Riddagshausen. The foundation was prepared by Ludolf von Wenden, a ministerialis of Henry the Lion. Henry the Lion granted the monastery the village of Ritdageshusen, along with its lands and laborers, in 1146. As early as 1147, the monastery received papal protection and confirmation. From 1206, construction of the new monastery church began, which was consecrated in 1275 after more than 60 years of building. In the 13th century, the Cistercians achieved economic independence. The Reformation in Riddagshausen took place between 1542 and 1568.