Gnadental Abbey (Neuss)

Gnadental Abbey is a former Cistercian nunnery, the remains of which are now located on the edge of the modern Neuss district of Gnadental on the Erft river.

The founding date of the monastery vallis gratiae (Valley of Graces) is unknown; it can only be inferred indirectly from a few surviving documents. In 1250, an indulgence was promised to visitors of the abbey church, which was renewed in 1265. In 1252, the monastery was placed under the supervision of the Cistercian monastery of Heisterbach.

On July 29, 1474, the monastery was plundered and devastated by Burgundian mercenaries, but was subsequently rebuilt according to the Chronicon monasterii Campensis. During the Truchsessian War in 1585/86, a troop of Elector Ernst entrenched themselves in the monastery complex. During the siege of Neuss, Alexander Farnese of Parma also set up his headquarters in the monastery. His victory celebration also took place here on August 1, 1586.

Documentary reports about the monastery only resume around 1600. In 1609, Mattheis Wirtz von Muffendorf donated 100 gold guilders to the monastery for the renovation of the church. In 1784, the monastery grounds were severely affected by a Rhine flood. In the autumn of 1794, the Gnadental Cistercian nuns fled from the advancing French and had to sell their silver utensils abroad for their livelihood. Finally, in 1802, the monastery was dissolved. Today, the Gnadental estate is located on the site.