Archbishop Anno II of Cologne founded the Benedictine Grafschaft Abbey in 1072. Its construction was intended to create the most important spiritual and economic center of the Sauerland. Archbishop Anno II endowed the monastery with riches. Mülheim was among the 12 parishes and villages and the natural tithes of many other places that the Benedictine monks received.
A branch of the Teutonic Order was established here as early as 1266. The Deutschordenskommende still consists of the Deutschordensschloss, the Renteige building and the chapel in the sisters' cemetery.
Today, the impressive monastery complex is privately owned. The parish church and the Mariengrotte memorial are open to the public.
