Abbey Schönau

The foundation of Schönau Monastery took place in 1142 by the Diocese of Worms, specifically by Eberbach Abbey. The Cistercians initially received a valley section and adjacent forests, which were later expanded. Around 1200, massive buildings, surrounded by a ring wall, replaced the original wooden structures. In the 12th century, the Palatinate by the Rhine assumed patronage, and the monastery developed into a house monastery, residence, and burial site for the Palatine Counts. In the 14th century, the Palatine Counts supported the monastery in overcoming an economic crisis.