Riechenberg Abbey

The foundation of Riechenberg Monastery took place in 1117. Originally planned as a Benedictine monastery, it quickly developed into an Augustinian Canons Regular foundation under the patronage of the Mother of God Mary and Saint Andrew. Under Provost Gerhard (approx. 1126–1150), the foundation gained supra-regional importance and benefited from its connections to Emperor Lothar III and Henry the Lion. The crypt was completed around 1150, and the entire collegiate church in 1173. Over the centuries, the monastery experienced an increase in possessions, but also conflicts and mismanagement. A fire in 1278 damaged the buildings. In the 15th century, Riechenberg joined the Windesheim Congregation of Reform, leading to a new period of prosperity. Following the Hildesheim Diocesan Feud, the monastery became part of Brunswick in 1527 and was temporarily expanded into a fortress and used as a mint. In 1569, it became Lutheran, but in 1643, it returned under princely-episcopal rule, was re-Catholicized, and underwent Baroque renovations.