Rippoldsau Priory

The existence of the Priory of Rippoldsau is documented from the year 1139 or 1179. It was consecrated to Saint Nicholas. A papal document from 1179 first mentions the cell of Saint Nicholas on the Rippoldsau estate in the Wolftal, which was owned by the Black Forest monastery of Sankt Georgen. The Lords of Wolfach served as church patrons, a role taken over by the Counts of Fürstenberg from 1306. During the Reformation, the priory was reformed in 1537, and its monastic properties were confiscated. However, the monks returned in 1549 after the Reformation was reversed. In the 17th century, monastic life experienced a decline, particularly during the Thirty Years' War. In the 18th century, a Marian pilgrimage developed, which led to a revival and increased construction activities at the priory. In 1802, the priory was secularized and became part of the Baden state. The monastery building, constructed in 1769/70, has served as a rectory since 1822. The current parish and pilgrimage church of Mater Dolorosa was built in 1828/29 in the Neoclassical style, featuring a pilgrimage image from the 15th century and murals by Wilhelm Dürr.

The Priory of Rippoldsau is situated in Freudenstadt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 421 meters above sea level.

The former monastery building now functions as a rectory. The parish and pilgrimage church of Mater Dolorosa, built in 1828/29, remains a place of worship.

• Walkenstein Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 6145 m away)
• Benedictine Priory of St. Nikolaus, Rippoldsau (Monastery, approx. 6231 m away)
• Wittichen Monastery (Monastery, approx. 6260 m away)
• Wolfach Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 8930 m away)