Maulbronn Monastery

Unesco World Heritage SiteMaulbronn Monastery

Maulbronn Monastery (Kloster Maulbronn) is one of Europe’s most complete and bestpreserved Medieval monastery complexes. It combines a multitude of architectural styles, from Romanesque to late Gothic, in one place – creating a unique atmosphere.

Construction of the former Cistercian abbey, cradled in the rolling hills of the Stromberg region, commenced in 1147. It was here that Gothic design was first implemented in the German-speaking world. In 1993, the monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Maulbronn Monastery

The oldest parts of the building were constructed in the monumental Romanesque style.

Impressive complex with a captivating inner courtyard

Maulbronn’s many buildings are enclosed by Medieval walls and towers. Architectural highlights include the Romanesque monastery church, the Gothic cloister, and the fountain house.

The monastery church’s entrance hall, the Paradise, takes its name from the custom of painting church vestibules’ walls with scenes from the Fall of Man. In Maulbronn, the last painting was completed in 1522. However, little of this work of art remains visible. The Paradise, the cloister’s south wing, and the monks’ refectory were constructed in the late Romanesque, transitional early Gothic style. These structures played a vital role in spreading the Gothic architectural style throughout German-speaking Europe.

A striking testament to Cistercian life

The Cistercians have traditionally worked the land. This is why their cultural and architectural influences extended well beyond the walls of the monastery. The surrounding countryside was formerly dotted with their farms, called granges. The Maulbronn monastery complex has been preserved remarkably well, and is an impressive representation of the region’s history and the Cistercians’ way of life.

After the Reformation, Duke Christoph of Württemberg, converted the complex into a Protestant boarding school. Its pupils included prominent scientists and writers including Johannes Kepler, Friedrich Hölderlin and Hermann Hesse. The school still exists, but is called today Evangelical theological seminary.

After being named a UNESCO World Heritage site, the monastery complex has become a world-famous landmark, attracting tourists from around the globe. It also serves as a concert venue, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the buildings’ out-of-the-ordinary acoustics.

Maulbronn Monastery

Romanesque arcades, Gothic roof: the monastery church illustrates the transition between different architectural styles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The ParadiseThe ParadiseMasterpiece of an unknown master builder
The Paradise - Masterpiece of an unknown master builder
The Fountain HouseThe Fountain HouseA Maulbronn landmark
The Fountain House - A Maulbronn landmark
The RefectoriesThe RefectoriesDining in great style
The Refectories - Dining in great style
Relief on the high altar at Maulbronn MonasteryHIGH ALTER RELIEFSSUFFERING ETCHED IN THEIR FACES
HIGH ALTER RELIEFS - SUFFERING ETCHED IN THEIR FACES
Tiefer See (deep lake) near Maulbronn MonasteryWATER MANAGEMENTKNOW-HOW
WATER MANAGEMENT - KNOW-HOW
Interior of the chapter house at Maulbronn MonasteryTHE CHAPTER HOUSEA PLACE FOR MONASTIC COMMUNICATION
THE CHAPTER HOUSE - A PLACE FOR MONASTIC COMMUNICATION
Visitors in the cloister at Maulbronn MonasteryTHE CLOISTERAT THE CENTER OF THE MONKS' LIFE
THE CLOISTER - AT THE CENTER OF THE MONKS' LIFE
Choir stalls in the church at Maulbronn MonasteryTHE CHOIR STALLSWOOD CARVINGS WITH STORIES TO TELL
THE CHOIR STALLS - WOOD CARVINGS WITH STORIES TO TELL
Maulbronn Monastery, aeroviewThe surrounding areaMonks dominated the landscape
The surrounding area - Monks dominated the landscape
Interior of the early Gothic narthex (Paradise) at Maulbronn MonasteryHISTORY OF DESIGNMASTERPIECES BETWEEN ROMANESQUE AND GOTHIC
HISTORY OF DESIGN - MASTERPIECES BETWEEN ROMANESQUE AND GOTHIC