The original site of the monastery was located in Neunkhausen before it moved to the current Streithausen location in 1222.
The basilica is the oldest Gothic hall church in Germany.
The monks have operated an on-site brewery since the 18th century, producing traditional beers.
The abbey church contains the tomb of Count Heinrich II of Sayn, a primary benefactor of the monastery.
The current monastic community is part of the Mehrerau Congregation.
The abbey complex was secularized in 1803 but was re-established as a monastery in 1888.
The interior vaulting of the basilica features unique star-ribbed designs typical of the transitional Gothic period.
The monastery complex incorporates buildings from both the medieval period and later baroque additions.
Marienstatt Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in the Westerwald region, founded in 1212. The basilica is an early Gothic hall church, notable for its distinct lack of a transept. The monastic complex includes a brewery, a restaurant, a bookstore, and a secondary school. The monks follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, focusing on a balance of prayer, study, and manual work. The abbey library houses approximately 60,000 volumes, including rare historical prints and manuscripts. The surrounding grounds feature a formal baroque garden and a spacious park area. The monastery is situated in the Nister valley, providing direct access to hiking trails along the river. A stone bridge leads visitors across the Nister to the main entrance of the cloister grounds.
The stone bridge over the Nister river providing a full view of the church facade and the monastic buildings.
Visit the abbey brewery restaurant to sample local monastic-brewed beer and regional Westerwald cuisine.
Explore the winding paths along the Nister riverbank for quiet observation of the valley landscape.
Check the abbey’s bookstore for specialized theological literature and regional historical guides.
Do not attempt to enter the private monastic living quarters or restricted cloister zones designated for the monks.
Maintain silence within the church and cloister areas; dress modestly as this is an active religious site.
