Priory Mariawald
Trappist (Cistercian of the Strict Observance)·Germany·Museum and operational business·15th century
Mariawald Abbey was a Trappist monastery located in the Eifel region of Germany, known for its historical significance as the last men's Trappist monastery in the country. Founded in the 15th century as a Cistercian priory and later re-established by Trappists, it played a role in pilgrimage before its eventual closure as a monastic community in 2018. Despite the departure of its monks, the site continues to operate as a business and a museum, preserving its heritage.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1486 by Cistercians of Bottenbroich Priory.
- ›Re-settled by Trappist monks from Oelenberg Abbey in 1860.
- ›Was the last men's Trappist monastery in Germany.
- ›Gained permission in 2008 to return to the Old Rite and traditional religious discipline.
- ›Officially closed as a monastic community in 2018.
- ›The site continues to operate a tavern, bookshop, and liqueur production.
Gothic, Baroque
Late Gothic Gate, Stations of the Cross Trail, Liqueur Production, Tavern and Bookshop, Last Men's Trappist Monastery In Germany
Abtei Mariawald, Monasterium Nemoris Beatae Mariae Virginis, Abbatia B. M. De Nemore
Heinrich Fluitter
- Closure and Expulsion In 1795 Due To War of the First Coalition
- Exile Due To Kulturkampf
- Departure and Return During World War Ii
- Closure of the Monastic Community In 2018
About Priory Mariawald
Mariawald Abbey
Mariawald Abbey, known in German as Abtei Mariawald, was a significant Trappist monastery situated above the village of Heimbach in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Its history began in the 15th century when the Cistercians of Bottenbroich Priory established a priory on the site of a shrine and chapel that had become a place of pilgrimage, known as the Marienwallfahrt.
History and Development
The priory was officially established and occupied by Cistercians in 1486, taking its name from the shrine to Mary and the surrounding woods, hence "Marienwald" or "Mary's wood." The monastery faced closure and expulsion in 1795 during the War of the First Coalition. It was later re-settled in 1860 by Trappist monks from Oelenberg Abbey. During the Kulturkampf, the monks were exiled from 1875 to 1887, and again had to leave during World War II from 1941 until 1945. In 1909, Mariawald was elevated from the status of a priory to an abbey. After World War II, the abbey had to be largely rebuilt due to war damage. Mariawald Abbey held the distinction of being the last men's Trappist monastery in Germany.
Unique Religious Practice and Closure
In a notable departure from contemporary trends, Mariawald Abbey received permission from Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 to return to the Old Rite and its original religious discipline. This included adhering to the liturgical books in force in the Catholic Church in 1962, particularly observing the traditional Latin Mass according to the old Trappist use, making it unique among Trappist monasteries globally.
However, as a monastic community, Mariawald Abbey officially closed in 2018, with the last monks departing in September of that year. The site continues to operate under new management, with Kloster Mariawald GmbH & Co. KG taking over operational buildings and land on a leasehold basis. The premises now house a tavern, bookshop, and continue liqueur production, while also serving as a museum with guided tours. The church buildings remain under the control of the Diocese of Aachen, and there is an ongoing effort to potentially re-establish a religious community on the premises as tenants.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mariawald Abbey founded?
The foundation of Mariawald Abbey traces back to 1480 when the land was given to the Cistercians of Bottenbroich Priory, who established a priory and moved into it on April 4, 1486. This priory was named 'Marienwald' or 'Mary's wood'.
What religious order was associated with Mariawald Abbey?
Mariawald Abbey was initially a Cistercian priory. It was later re-settled by Trappist monks, who are formally known as the Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The monks followed the Rule of St. Benedict and the constitution of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance.
What is the current status of Mariawald Abbey?
Mariawald Abbey officially closed as a religious community in 2018. However, the site continues to operate with a tavern, bookshop, and liqueur production managed by Kloster Mariawald GmbH & Co. KG. The church buildings remain under the control of the Diocese of Aachen, and the site is also used as a museum with guided tours.
Is Mariawald Abbey still an active monastery?
No, Mariawald Abbey is no longer an active monastery. The last remaining monks left in September 2018, and the religious community was officially closed. Efforts are being made to potentially settle a new religious community there as tenants.
What makes Mariawald Abbey unique among Trappist monasteries?
Mariawald Abbey is unique among Trappist monasteries worldwide because it gained permission in 2008 to return to the Old Rite and its original religious discipline, adhering to the liturgical books in force in the Catholic Church in 1962, including the traditional Latin Mass.
What historical events affected Mariawald Abbey?
The monastery was closed and its monks expelled in 1795 due to the War of the First Coalition and annexation to the French First Republic. The monks were also exiled from 1875 to 1887 due to Kulturkampf policies, and had to leave again under the Nazi regime during World War II from 1941 until 1945.
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Mariawald Abbey
Mariawald Abbey was a Trappist monastery located in the Eifel region of Germany, known for its historical significance as the last men's Trappist monastery in the country. Founded in the late 15th century as a Cistercian priory, it was re-established by Trappist monks in the 19th century and later elevated to abbey status. Despite periods of closure due to war and political upheaval, it continued to operate until its religious community departed in 2018, with its commercial operations now managed by a separate entity.
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