Kloster Marienthal (Maria Valley Monastery) is located at a sharp bend down a steep narrow country road. Although there are various small hotels directly across the road from the Kloster, coming down the hill your attention is focused entirely on the Gothic church, which looks somewhat bigger while approaching than it really is. On an early spring Sunday the hotels seemed virtually deserted and with your back towards them it is easy to appreciate the serene surroundings, which must have drawn the first monks to this particular location in the first place.

According to legend a local hunter, Hecker Henn, was blinded in an accident but regained vision after praying at a small wooden pieta, which back then only hung from a tree. The first chapel to house it was started in 1313. Pilgrim and even more miraculous healings soon followed. The pieta featuring a crowned Maria is prominently displayed behind glass in the front of the church in a special container. Although the pieta dates from 1309, exactly when the golden crown was added to the original woodcarving remains unclear. The crown was formally approved by the Vatican only in 1908.

Inside the church is fairly small with beautiful colored windows depicting the lives of saints from the orders of St Frances. The church was partly dismantled in 1782 but when someone was killed by pieces falling from the collapsing roof, it was seen as the finger of God and it was spared further destruction. It was rebuilt in 1858 and remodeled in 1974.

Benches with seats for several hundred are set outside the church as on special occasions and summer Sundays the congregation exceed the church’s capacity. A small formal garden is set behind these benches and it is a tranquil place to relax and contemplate. A small stream runs through the garden and past the church and the soothing sound of the water adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Behind the garden is a longer walkway with small chapels depicting the Stations of the Cross. A similar walkway for Maria’s Ascension leads higher up the hills. The Monastery is still in operation and offers a retreat as a convent.

Kloster Marienthal is best reached by car. Public transportation is possible but I would not recommend that except to the truly devout or unless you plan to hike back to a more convenient station. Road signs indicate the way from the B42, the main road between Wiesbaden and Rüdesheim. Continuing on the road past the Kloster you can reach Johannisberg via a picturesque but narrow and winding road through the forests and agricultural lands. Road signs towards Johannisberg are very clear.

I would not describe Kloster Marienthal as the true highlight of a visit to the Rheingau but it is worth stopping if you travel by car and have half an hour or so to spare. If on restricted time give preference to Kloster Eberbach instead.