Schönau Abbey

The foundation of Kloster Schönau dates back to 1189, established by Philipp von Thüngen zu Heßlar with the support of Bishop Gottfried von Pisemberg of Würzburg. Initially, it housed noble Cistercian nuns, often from the Rieneck noble family. During the Peasants' War and again in the Second Margrave War in the mid-16th century, the monastery suffered looting and destruction, leading to its abandonment in 1564. The site experienced a revival only in 1699 when Minorite friar Kilian Stauffer acquired the buildings and had them renovated in the Baroque style. In 1796, during the First Coalition War, the monastery was plundered once more. Although officially dissolved in 1803 as part of secularization, the monks remained on site. It was not until 1843 that a decree by King Ludwig I of Bavaria allowed for a renewed settlement by Minorites.

Kloster Schönau is situated at an elevation of approximately 167 meters above sea level in the Main-Spessart district, a region in Bavaria, Germany.

Of the original monastery buildings, primarily only the monastery church remains today, preserving its Baroque character from the reconstruction under Kilian Stauffer. Currently, the monastery church is cared for by the resident Minorites, who also serve in neighboring parishes and communities.

• Wolfsmünster Castle (Castle, approx. 2024 m away)
• Slorburg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 2664 m away)
• Scherenburg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 3059 m away)
• Huttenschloss (Castle, approx. 3105 m away)