The abbey church of Saint Mary already stood on the site and was first mentioned in 1149 as S. Maria in silva Augeria.

Soon after its founding, in addition to the Permonstratensian canons regular, Augustinian nuns were living at the monastery.

[2] The monastery stood along one of the main trade roads over the alpine passes of Graubünden and became a resting place and hospital for travelers.

At some point during the 14th or 15th centuries the provost or abbot began building a comfortable tower house about 100 m (330 ft) south of the abbey church.

[3] In 1803 Roggenburg Abbey was closed and the remaining Churwalden lands were transferred to the seminary at St. Luzi.

[2] After 1599 the abbey buildings slowly fell into ruin and were eventually demolished, leaving only the abbot's tower and the Church of St. Maria and Michael.

Inside traces of late-Gothic murals are still visible, along with Renaissance wooden panels in the abbot's sitting room.