Rottenbuch is located in the Weilheim-Schongau district, in the Pfaffenwinkel region, southern Bavaria. It has about 1,800 inhabitants and the town maintains a rural character, with nearby alpine landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

The village is ancient; the Rottenbuch monastery was founded in 1073 by Duke Welf IV, rooted in the tradition of the Augustiner-Chorherren. The Augustiner-Chorherren (Canons Regular of St. Augustine) are a very old Catholic religious order that follows the Rule of St. Augustine (from the 4th century).

In the 11th century, in Europe, many groups of priests who lived in community (but were not monks strictly speaking) decided to organize themselves more regularly. They adopted the Rule of St. Augustine (which speaks of community life, sharing of goods, prayer, and pastoral service). Thus were born the canons regular, different from the Benedictine or Cistercian monks.

Rottenbuch is part of Pfaffenwinkel, a region famous for its many Baroque and Rococo churches.