Wechterswinkel Abbey

Wechterswinkel is a former Cistercian monastery near Bastheim with buildings from the 17th century featuring plastered walls, pitched roofs, and stepped staircases. The complex centers around the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, which serves as its focal point with a late Romanesque basilica structure.

Bishop Embricho of Würzburg and King Conrad III founded the monastery in 1134 as a religious community. It remained in operation until 1592, when its dissolution process began.

The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian displays late medieval architecture with round arches and original stone walls from earlier periods. Visitors can observe these details while walking through the building and appreciate the craftsmanship of past generations.

The district of Rhön-Grabfeld has used the monastery buildings as a cultural center since 2008, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Visitors should be aware that opening times and accessibility may vary depending on scheduled events and cultural programs.

The bell tower houses four bells, with three cast by Gustav Fuchs in 1969 and each carrying religious inscriptions. These bells demonstrate the site's continued spiritual use extending into modern times.