Kloster Maulbronn (Maulbronn, Germany)
Maulbronn Monastery, which is regarded as “one of the best preserved medieval monastery monuments north of the Alps” and has thus been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993, dates back to 1138. It was founded by the knight Walter of Lomersheim who was inspired by reformer Bernhard of Clairvaux and thus wanted to dedicate is life to god. The monastery was first located in nearby Eschenweiler, and had humble beginnings with a convent of just 12 monks. As the location in Eschenweiler proofed to be unsuitable the bishop dissolved the small convent and moved the monks to Maulbronn. In this new location, in the outskirts of Maulbronn, the monastery, which belonged to the Cistercian order, began to flourish and over the next centuries the monks built up the complex that still can be visited today. There is a Romanesque style church that was already finished for consecration to the Virgin Mary as early as 1178, later on it was restored several times, which is clearly visible in the various architectural style it features today. The complex is surrounded by high fortification walls, a measure that was necessary during medieval times. Further to be seen are the impressive cellar that house the wine the monks produced, the refectory, infirmary, auditorium, chapel, forge, mill cooperage, inn ‘“ mostly dating back to the 13th and 14th century.Iit has also been home to a Protestant Theological College since centuries, the boarding school still exists today and has seen many famous students within its halls, including Friedrich Hölderlin (poet, 1770-1843), Johannes Kepler (astronomer, 1571-1630), Justinus Kerner (doctor and poet, 1786-1862) and Hermann Hesse (writer and Nobel prize winner, 1877-1962). Hermann Hesse has chosen the boarding school in Maulbronn monastery as the setting for his novel “Under the wheel”.The courtyard of the monastery is always open for visitors, there is no entrance fee but fees might occur if you wish to see the buildings that are located around the yard. For more information on opening hours and admission fees please visit the website.
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Contact
Klosterhof , 75433Telephone: +49(7043)926610 | Fax: +49(7043)926611 | Official hotel site