Haydau Abbey (Altmorschen)

The foundation of Kloster Haydau occurred in 1235, when it was handed over to Cistercian nuns. It was dedicated to Saints Mary and Nicholas. The monastery church, whose origins may trace back to an 8th-century chapel, was completed around 1280 as an early Gothic hall church. By the 14th century, Haydau had developed into a significant spiritual and economic hub. Following the introduction of the Reformation in Hesse, the monastery was dissolved in 1526. Subsequently, it served as a landgravial hunting lodge and underwent extensive renovations in the 17th century under Landgrave Moritz of Hesse-Kassel, including the creation of the magnificent Angels' Hall. Later, in 1685, the orangery was constructed under Landgrave Karl. From 1830, the complex was utilized as an agricultural estate until it ceased this function in 1940.

The former Kloster Haydau is situated in Altmorschen, a district of the municipality of Morschen in the Schwalm-Eder-Kreis in Hesse, Germany. The complex is located at an elevation of approximately 188 meters above sea level.

From 1985 to 2001, the former Kloster Haydau underwent extensive restoration and preservation. Parts of the complex, such as the manor house, are now used as the town hall for the municipality of Morschen.

• Karmeliterkloster Spangenberg (Monastery, approx. 6492 m away)
• Karmelitenkloster Spangenberg (Monastery, approx. 6610 m away)
• Schloss Spangenberg (Castle, approx. 6718 m away)
• Herrenhaus Niederbeisheim (Manor House, approx. 7121 m away)