Mariental Abbey

The monastery was founded by Friedrich II von Sommerschenburg (c. 1100 – 1162), Count palatine (Pfalzgraf) of Saxony.

The initial complement consisted of twelve monks from Altenberg under an abbot (Bodo) from Amelungsborn Abbey.

The Augustinian nunnery of Marienberg in nearby Helmstedt was subsequently established in 1176.

When the Sommerschenburg family became extinct in 1179, Mariental Abbey with its possessions were seized by the Welf duke Henry the Lion.

The abbey soon achieved great prosperity: its estates extended as far as Magdeburg, Jüterbog and Braunschweig.