Marienmünster Abbey

The former Benedictine Abbey Marienmünster was founded in 1128 by Count Widukind l. by Schwalenberg, his wife Luttrudis von Itter and with the support of Paderborn Bishop Bernhard I as a family monastery. The patroness was Maria, hence the name Marienmünster.

The choir gate separates the parish church from the former choir room, formerly reserved for the monks. The double row choir stalls from 1693 contain 40 seats. The baroque high altar was made in the years 1683 - 1700. (Ausz.aus der Klosterflyer)

The former abbey church of St. James the Elder remained a parish church after secularization and has been the parish church for the entire town of Marienmünster and all its surrounding villages since 2017. A visit is always worthwhile!