Maulbronn Monastery

Unesco World Heritage Site

WORTH A LOOKHidden treasures

Maulbronn Monastery is a place where the life of Cistercian monks has been unusually well preserved, from the impressive monastery courtyard to the touching details of their daily routine. Maulbronn is worth a second and third look: in search of hidden treasures.

Detail of Mary's head with carefully retouched with leftover paint

Elegant and mysterious

Since its restoration, new information has come to light about this impressive figure, which can be viewed in the monastery church choir.

The Maulbronn Madonna

Choir stalls in the church at Maulbronn Monastery

Designated place for choral prayer

The divine stalls of the Maulbronn monks' choir provided space for 92 monks and are decorated with detailed carvings.

Relief on the high altar at Maulbronn Monastery

Scenes of suffering

The high altar reliefs depict scenes from the Passion of Christ and are some of the few remaining religious treasures in the monastery.

High altar reliefs

Crucifix in the monastery church at Maulbronn Monastery

Masterful sculptures

Almost impossible: This medieval master sculptor carved the crucifix from one single block of stone.

The Maulbronn crucifix

Bishop Gunther von Speyer and Sir Walter von Lomersheim appeal to Mary to accept the church as an offering, right inside of founders panel, oil on wood, 1450

Telling a strory

In the 15th century, when the monastery was at the height of its power, it suddenly paid tribute to its founders.