Schönau was first historically documented with the founding of the Schönau Abbey by the Prince-Bishopric of Worms in 1142. The monastery came under the patronage of the Electoral Palatinate in the 12th century and became a House monastery, abode and burial place of the Counts Palatine of the Rhine.
Schönau's historical record is marked by its establishment as an abbey under the Prince-Bishopric of Worms in 1142, followed by its role as a House monastery under the patronage of the Electoral Palatinate and serving as a residence and burial place for the Counts Palatine of the Rhine.