Maulbronn Monastery, baker's house

AUTHENTIC CULTURAL MONUMENT WITH VIBRANT ATMOSPHERETHE MAULBRONN WORLDHERITAGE SITE

Maulbronn is considered one of the most well-preserved medieval monastery complexes north of the Alps. The Cistercian architecture and cultural landscape remains almost pure: reasons why the monastery was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1993.

Visitors in the cloister, Maulbronn Monastery

There are many unique features to discover at Maulbronn.

CULTURAL MONUMENT OF UNUSUAL STATUS

Unlike any other Cistercian monastery in Europe, the unique unity of the Maulbronn monastery complex remains preserved. The superb entirety continues to offer insights into the monks' spiritual and economic world to this day. The complex comprises the primary monastery buildings, the farmyard and its financial and management offices, the monastery wall and its gate tower and other fortification towers, as well as parts of the surrounding cultural landscape.

Visitors in the cloister, Maulbronn Monastery

There are many unique features to discover at Maulbronn.

STYLISTIC FEATURES OF GROUNDBREAKING IMPORTANCE

There are many architectural features at Maulbronn that stand out on a European scale. The church narthex (the Paradise), the south wing of the cloister and the monks' refectory are examples of the transition from late Romanesque to early Gothic and were therefore pivotal in the spread of the early Gothic style throughout Germany.

A UNESCO'S WORLD HERITAGE SITE

The UNESCO's 2018 list of cultural and natural world heritage sites includes 1092 sites across 167 states worldwide, of which 44 are in Germany. Criteria for being added to the list include the uniqueness and authenticity of a cultural site as well a strong preservation plan. In 1993, the world heritage committee decided that Maulbronn Monastery met these criteria and the monastery complex was added to the list.

Maulbronn Monastery courtyard with fountain

A unique complex: Maulbronn Monastery has been a World Heritage Site since 1993.