"Eberbach Abbey" Land Rheinland-Pfalz Things to Do Tip by Maryimelda

Our first stop in the Palatinate was Kloster Eberbach. This is the monastery founded by St Bernhard of Clairvaux in the 12th century. Eventually there were four more branches of the monastery built in other locations in Germany and I think France also. From those days to the present time, the monastery has been used for many and varied uses from a hospital to a prison and even a film set (The Name of the Rose starring Sean Connery).

In medieval times, the vineyards of Eberbach were the largest in Europe. They covered 300 hectares. Today they are for the most part, owned by the State of Hesse and in conjunction with a number of other vineyards both on the Hessiche Bergstrasse and the banks of the Rhine Valley produce several different varieties of first class wines. These include Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and my very best favourite Dornfelder.

The complex is used today for high end functions held in the original dormitory and wine tasting tours which are held in the famous wine cellar.

Directions: Eltville, Germany