The Abbey of Ettal and other Ettal, Germany Things to Do Tips

Founded in 1330 by the German Emperor Louis the Fourth, the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal has today a monastic community of around 55 monks.

The monks main activity is centered on a private high school (5th to the 13th grades), recognized by the state.

The center of the abbey is the magnificent church. The beautiful courtyard, in front of the church is almost 100 by 100 meter large.

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The famous Ettal church concentrates the entire spiritual and intellectual spirit of the abbey.

The majestic church suffered of important chances during the centuries and the one of today dates from the 18th century.

With the round forms of the main building combined with the sharp forms of the towers, the church impresses not only through its massively building but also with it's beautifully decorated inside.

The central point of the church is the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary dating from the 14th century.

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The beautiful, round forms, facade of the church is flanked by the two towers, now connected to the main body.

The windows and niches with statues of the twelve apostles are framed by six Ionic columns.

Three niches are holding the portals, but only through the middle one you can enter the church. The other two niches lead actually into a wall, as the original plans were impossible to realize due to structural problems.

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A small austere tower dating from Middle Ages, located on the right side of the dome, looks a bit out of the picture today.

The tower has a tent shaped roof since the fire in 1744 and was intended to be demolished after the other two towers had been completed.

Still during the years it survived as a witness to the past, although today has a certain disturbing effect on the whole structure.

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As the unfinished crowning end of the facade, also the two towers have not been completed according to the original intentions of the architects.

The towers were built in different styles in 1853 and 1907, and their completion did not resemble the plans of Zucalli.

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The dome of the church, supported by flying ramparts, remains of the Gothic period, is almost 71 meter high.

The dome ends in a lantern surrounded by a railing, while the obelisk like crown of the lantern has a capital and cross on it.

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The inner Gothic portal is one of the church’s items of interest.

The portal dates from the first period of construction of the church and on top of the portal, in the tympanum, is represented the crucifixion scene flanked by the founding couple, the Emperor Louis the Bavarian and his wife Margaret.

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Once entered the church, you'll be overwhelmed by its beauty.

The church is considered one of the most elaborately decorated churches in Germany.

Similar to many Catholic churches in Bavaria, the main colors are white and gold.

Six side altars, located three on each side, elegant confessionals, a magnificent pulpit, an impressive main altar, followed by a graceful high altar and a fabulous main dome, are all part of this stunning church.

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Since 1968, in order to comply with the wishes of the Second Vatican Council, the main altar is placed below the choir arch.

In this way the participants have the sense of a closer communion with the priest during the mass.

The modern wears has the coat of arms of Abbot Karl Gross.

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Made as a kind of triumphal arch, the high altar was initially supposed to be adorned with sculptures, as can be seen from the sketches made by Ignaz Guenther.

Made of massive marble, the high altar has on top the tabernacle for the Blessed Sacrament and over this the niche for the small, miraculous statue, the Ettal Madonna.

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