Reichenstein Monastery

Reichenstein Monastery is a monastic complex in Monschau featuring stone walls, courtyards, and multiple buildings arranged according to Premonstratensian traditions. The layout shows typical elements where the church, living quarters, and service buildings are organized around central courtyards.

The monastery was founded between 1131 and 1136 as a double monastery for Premonstratensians with male and female communities. Its history was shaped by the Reformation and later by Napoleonic changes before it eventually took on different purposes over the centuries.

The community uses the monastery for daily prayers and religious observances that visitors can sometimes witness. The spaces reflect the monastic values and discipline that have shaped life here for centuries.

The grounds are accessible to visitors through guided tours where you can explore the architecture and learn about monastic life. It helps to check ahead which areas are open, since some spaces remain in active use by the community and are not available for touring.

In 2008, a major transformation began to accommodate members of the Benedictine community, marking a new chapter in the monastery's religious life. This shift shows how historical places can adapt to new communities while maintaining their core monastic identity.