The origins of the pilgrimage site of Mariastein date back to the end of the 14th century. According to legend, a child fell down the rocks and was rescued by the Virgin Mary. A natural cave was converted into a chapel, which was cared for by a priest.

Pilgrims came in such numbers that the parish priest of Metzerlen was overwhelmed by the task. The Bishop of Basel then sent pilgrimage priests and later Augustinian hermits from Basel. They built an above-ground chapel, the Chapel of the Seven Sorrows.

Since 1636, Benedictine monks from Beinwil cared for the pilgrimage site and moved entirely to Mariastein in 1648.

In 1874, the abbey was dissolved as part of the Kulturkampf; only two fathers were allowed to continue caring for the pilgrimage site as cantonal officials.

In 1941, the monks, who had in the meantime settled in Bregenz, were expelled by the Nazis and, at the request of Abbot Basilius Niederberger, were granted “asylum” in Mariastein.

Following a popular vote in 1970, the abbey was legally restored the following year. The entire abbey complex was professionally renovated.