Hude Abbey

Hude Abbey, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded around 1202 and existed until its dissolution in 1536. It originated as a daughter monastery of Mariental, which in turn descended from Altenberg. The Cistercian monks chose a secluded stream valley for its construction, in accordance with the order's rules. Following the defeat of the Stedinger farmers in 1234, the abbey received extensive land donations, which formed its economic foundation. In its heyday, Hude developed into a significant spiritual and economic center of the region. For over two centuries, the abbey church served as the burial place for the Counts of Oldenburg. In 1482, the abbey came under the rule of the Diocese of Münster. The Reformation led to its decline, culminating in the abbey's dissolution in 1536. Parts of the complex were subsequently used as building material until the von Witzleben family acquired the estate in 1687 and converted the former abbot's house into a manor house.