The first foundation by Saint Leobard around 590,[1] was a community of Irish monks under the Rule of St. Columbanus.

About 724 Saint Pirmin reformed the Columban monasteries in Alsace, including this one, introducing the Rule of St. Benedict.

The first abbot under the new rule was Maurus,[2] from whom the place took the name of Maursmünster in German, of which Marmoutier is the French version.

[2] Under Abbot Meinhard and his successors in the 12th century, the abbey enjoyed a long period of growth and prosperity, including the consolidation of the large territory.

With a total length of 74 metres (243 feet), it is one of the most imposing Christian sanctuaries in that part of Alsace.