St. Mary's Abbey, Fulda

St. Mary's Abbey is a Benedictine convent in Fulda featuring International Gothic architecture with stone walls and pointed arches. At its center stands a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with adjoining cloisters and residential quarters for the community.

The abbey was founded in 1626 during the Counter-Reformation, a period when the Catholic Church established new religious communities across central Germany. This monastery emerged as part of a broader movement to strengthen Catholic institutions in the region.

The community's daily rhythm centers on prayer and work, visible in the chapel and common spaces where visitors can sense the spiritual life that continues here. The layout of the buildings reflects how the sisters organize their days between these two practices.

The main entrance to the abbey grounds is on Nonnengasse street where visitors begin their visit. Weekday afternoons are the best time for guided tours, though it is recommended to check availability beforehand.

The nuns continue a centuries-old craft of creating ecclesiastical embroidery and textiles in a dedicated workshop within the abbey. This specialized handwork remains largely unknown to most visitors despite its long tradition at the site.

Location: Fulda

Inception: 1626

Architectural style: International Gothic

Website: https://abtei-fulda.de

GPS coordinates: 50.55300,9.67730

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48