Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
Lorsch, Germany
06.04.2017
Kloster Lorsch und Altenmünster in Lorsch, Germany, are two historical sites that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Kloster Lorsch, also known as Lorsch Abbey, is a former Benedictine monastery founded in the 8th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Altenmünster, or Old Minster, is a church that was built on the site of a Roman temple and dates back to the 9th century.
At Kloster Lorsch, visitors can explore the remains of the abbey, including the impressive Carolingian gatehouse, which is one of the few remaining examples of this type of architecture in Germany. The gatehouse is adorned with intricate carvings and is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time. Visitors can also see the remains of the cloister, the basilica, and the scriptorium, where the monks would have copied and preserved important texts.
The Altenmünster is equally fascinating, with its distinctive red sandstone walls and Romanesque architecture. The church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, but its original structure and design have been largely preserved. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful frescoes and intricate stonework, as well as the tombs of important figures from the abbey's history.
In addition to the historical significance of these sites, Kloster Lorsch and Altenmünster also offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The surrounding gardens and parkland provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. There is also a museum on the grounds that houses artifacts and exhibits related to the abbey's history and the daily life of the monks.
Kloster Lorsch and Altenmünster are not only important landmarks in German history, but they also offer a unique and educational experience for visitors. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city, these sites are a must-see destination in Lorsch. So come and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kloster Lorsch and Altenmünster, and discover the fascinating stories of the past that they have to offer.
The abbey, together with its monumental entrance, the famous 'Torhall', are rare architectural vestiges of the Carolingian era. The sculptures and paintings from this period are still in remarkably good condition.
Lorsch Abbey, otherwise the Imperial Abbey of Lorsch (German: Reichsabtei Lorsch; Latin: Laureshamense Monasterium or Laurissa), is a former Imperial abbey in Lorsch, Germany, about 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Worms. It was one of the most important monasteries of the Carolingian Empire. Even in its ruined state, its remains are among the most important pre-Romanesque–Carolingian style buildings in Germany.Its chronicle, entered in the Lorscher Codex compiled in the 1170s (now in the state archive at Würzburg), is a fundamental document for early medieval German history. Another famous document from the monastic library is the Codex Aureus of Lorsch.
In 1991 the ruined abbey was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its architectural and historical importance. The significant remains visible today are the 9th-century Torhalle (gatehouse), part of the abbey church, some of the wall around the abbey, and other walls and parts of buildings adapted to modern use.
