Saarn Abbey

Archaeological findings suggest that the monastery was founded around the year 1200. It was likely established in 1214 as the double monastery Mariensaal, together with the later monastery of Eppinghoven. Both convents were initially under the leadership of a common abbess and were incorporated into the Cistercian Order in 1216, placed under the supervision of the abbot of Kamp Abbey. A division of assets between Saarn and Eppinghoven occurred in 1237. Archbishop Engelbert I of Cologne significantly promoted Saarn Abbey, leading to extensive privileges granted by Pope Honorius III and the Empire in 1223. This secured papal protection and a lasting legal and material foundation for the monastery. In the 15th century and again from the 17th century, there were efforts to convert the monastery into a collegiate foundation for noblewomen. During the secularization, Saarn Abbey was dissolved in 1808 by the French government of the Grand Duchy of Berg.