Schiffenberg Abbey (Gießen)

Early settlement traces dating back to the late Bronze Age, around 1000 BC, were found on Schiffenberg. In 1129, Countess Clementia von Gleiberg donated the land to the Archbishopric of Trier with the stipulation that a monastery be built there. Archbishop Meginher von Vianden consecrated the unfinished complex in the same year, after which Augustinian canons from Springiersbach moved in. The pillar basilica with a transept was constructed between 1130 and 1150. A western apse and two round towers were added in the 12th century. A convent of canonesses, first mentioned in 1239 on the southern slope of Schiffenberg, led to legal disputes with the canons. Due to mismanagement and political interests, Archbishop Balduin of Trier dissolved the monastery in 1323 and entrusted it to the Teutonic Order, where it served as a commandry from 1333. In the 15th century, the provost's building (1463) and the commandry (1493–1500) were erected.