Hachenburg Abbey

The monastery's foundation dates back to 1638, when Franciscans established a community in Hachenburg. The Bishop of Osnabrück, who at that time held dominion over the County of Sayn-Hachenburg, promoted the re-establishment of the Catholic faith in the region and supported the order's settlement. Initially, the friars used St. Catherine's Church before receiving their own house of worship under Count Salentin Ernst von Manderscheid-Blankenheim (1652–1705). In 1661, a donation of two houses and a garden on the market square was made, and by 1664, the first monastery church was completed. Despite initial difficulties and a temporary loss of favor with Count Georg Friedrich (1715–1749), a new church building was realized. The cornerstone for the present Franciscan Church, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was laid in 1734, with its consecration in 1739. The monastery was finally secularized on March 18, 1813, during the French period by the Nassau government. In 1906, the demolition of the convent buildings began, while the church was expanded and a Baroque-style tower was added in 1908.

The former Franciscan Monastery is located in Hachenburg, a town in the Westerwaldkreis in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Its elevation of approximately 377 meters above sea level provides a picturesque setting within the low mountain range landscape of the Westerwald.

The former monastery church is now used as the Catholic Church of Maria Himmelfahrt. The original convent buildings were demolished in the early 20th century, and the church was expanded, with a Baroque-style tower added. The complex is protected as a cultural monument.

• Hachenburg Castle (Castle, approx. 119 m away)
• Marienstatt Cistercian Monastery (Monastery, approx. 3036 m away)
• Steinebach Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 5623 m away)
• Seeburg Castle (Dreifelden) (Castle, approx. 7945 m away)