Marienthal Franciscan Monastery is one of Germany’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Its origins date back to 1309. A chronicle says that the hunter, Hecker Henn, who had been blinded in an accident, suddenly regained his sight while praying in front of an inconspicuous image of Mary. A chapel was initially built for his adoration, followed by the church in 1326–30 and finally a small house. To this day, Marien pilgrims continue to describe how their prayers have been answered. In 1465, the Brethren of Common Life moved into Marienthal and founded one of the world’s first printing works. From the 18th century, the buildings fell into disrepair, before Bishop Blum of Limburg took the initiative to rebuild the pilgrimage site in 1857/58. Franciscan monks have lived in the
monastery since 1873, caring for pilgrims and visitors in the spirit of Saint Francis. The Elsterbach stream, which flows though the monastery grounds, contributes to the peaceful, meditative aura of this pilgrimage site.