| Page Views: 2,423 Last Visit to Kiedrich: September, 2006 | Eberbach Monastery - step back in time by Trekki - last update: Feb 24, 2008 |
... and walk in the footsteps of Sean Connery :-)) | Eberbach Monastery - courtyard |
Update, February, 2008:
I've added a link to JLBG's Sacra di San Michele page, which was the monastery, Eco had in mind when he wrote the book :-)
Cistercian Abbey Kloster Eberbach is nestled between vineyards and forests in the northern Rheingau, just a few kilometers off wine village Eltville. In a way, it still symbolizes the isolation the Cistercians had chosen to live their way of life. |
| Eberbach Monastery - cloister and fountain |
|  | Abbot Bernhard de Clairvaux (1090-1153) has founded the abbey in 1136, after he was sent out from France to establish Cistercian monasteries within Europe. During its early days, only 12 monks lived here, but over the time, it became the biggest and most important abbey in Germany.
The French monks introduced winegrowing in Eberbach, and soon wine was their major source of income. As this lead to increasing vineyards, the monks soon had to "employ" lay brethrens; the abbey was expanded to shelter them as well.
During Thirty Years' War (around 1631), lots of damage was done in the abbey, books and utensils stolen and carried off. However, after 1635, the monks returned and continued their work and life in Eberbach.
The final decline of Eberbach Abbey and the monks commenced in early 19th century, when the results of French Revolution forced the German Emperors to secure their incomes – Eberbach Abbey was conveyed to the Duke of Nassau in 1803, thus state-controlled.
Over the course of time, it hosted jail, mental hospital, military storage, sanatorium and youth hostel. |
| Eberbach Monastery - dormitory |
| | Since 1986, when the shootings for The Name of the Rose have been done here, its popularity increased, and money was spent for restoration.
But the final upswings came in 1998, when the whole abbey and its assets were transformed into a foundation. This lead to careful and improved restoration, so by now Eberbach Abbey is a magnet not only for religious visitors, but also for wine connoisseurs and friends of concerts.
Just now I learned from Jean-Louis (JLBG) that there is a sanctuary in Piemonte which Umberto Eco had in mind when he wrote The Name of the Rose. Make sure to read his description of Sacra di San Michele as well - it looks indeed like the monastery :-))
Let me show you this fascinating abbey in my writings. As Eberbach Abbey has been restored according to Cistercian architecture, I will also explain more about Cistercian daily life and the meanings of buildings.
I would like to thank my guide of Eberbach Abbey, who told us a lot of side information during our tour.
All pictures have been taken by myself, if not marked otherwise.
Please do not use any of them without my permission.
The same applies for my writings here.
Thanks.
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 Comments for Trekki about Kiedrich | | | | |
Yaqui Fri Jul 17, 2009 18:59 UTC
What a lovely place. This history is wonderful and it must be so tranquil to roam the building. Lovely photographs, cannot wait to see the rest. Nice page! | richiecdisc Mon May 4, 2009 22:26 UTC
We'll need the hotel details but no rush as guess we'll not see it this summer. ;) Kind of missing those dumplings here too. :) | toonsarah Sat May 2, 2009 16:40 UTC
Can't believe I never visited this excellent page about the source of my delicious wine jelly! Wonderful descriptions, and packed with info. BTW "Kapital" = "chapter" in English, in this context, so "Chapterhouse" | robertgaz Wed Feb 27, 2008 23:04 UTC
Sean was born; to leave you shaken and stirred;his deep Scottish voice; isn't slurred when he's heard! |
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