Origin of the monastery: The former Franciscan monastery is located below the market square and is now dedicated to St. Bartholomew. The cloister and monastery buildings that adjoined the south wall have disappeared. The fact that it was a mendicant church is evident from the lack of transept and side aisles. The foundation of the monastery is dated to 1211 by King Otto IV. However, it is disputed whether the Franciscans settled in Oppenheim as early as the 13th century. A later foundation is probable, namely in connection with the Mainz pledge (since 1315) and the establishment of the monastery near St. Catherine's Church (1317). Further history of the monastery: Due to the introduction of the Reformation, the Franciscan monks were forced to leave their monastery in 1561, which was abolished by Elector Friedrich in 1568 and subsequently converted into a Latin school at the instigation of Mayor Philipp Kiderich and the town council. In 1609, the church was temporarily handed over to Dutch-French colonists.
During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), the Franciscan monks managed to return to Oppenheim for a short time, but their final return was only made possible in 1686 by the Catholic Elector Philipp Wilhelm (1585-1690). Since 1686, the house has served as a parish church for the Catholics of Oppenheim. In 1738, 17 Franciscan monks were still living in the monastery, but this was abolished in 1802 and converted into a rectory. The Franciscan church still exists today as a Catholic parish church, but only minor remnants of the monastery buildings remain.
Guided tours: Bookings via the Catholic parish office (Tel. 06133/2727; Fax 06133-70466) or via the tourism office of the town of Oppenheim (06133 4909 19 or -14). Also: Guided tours from May to September every first Sunday of the month at 4.00 pm.
