Niedermunster Abbey Ruins, Ottrott, France

Niedermunster Abbey, situated at the foot of Mount Saint Odile was founded around 700 AAD by Saint Odile of Alsace, who was also the first Abbess.

Until the end of the 12th century, the two abbeys formed a single institution, but from the beginning of the 13th century, they began to operate as separate establishments. In 1542 the abbey came under the authority of the Great Chapter of Strasbourg Cathedral.

The Abbey buildings of which the ruins are still visible today were built between 1150 and 1180 AD. The Abbey was seriously damaged during the Peasants' War in 1525 and again by two fires, in 1542 and 1572. The nuns abandoned the abbey in 1545 and it was never reoccupied.

The site was then used, up until the 19th century, as a quarry for other buildings, including the adjacent farm.

For several centuries the abbey was known for its relics, the head and arm of Saint Lazarus of Marseille. When the abbey was burnt down these were transferred to Andlau, eventually disappearing during the French Revolution.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Daniel Rehm (2 years ago)
The ruins are surrounded by high fences for security reasons, and probably also to prevent vandalism. A pedestrian circuit has been set up, and numerous explanatory plaques allow you to visualize the abbey as it was at its peak, the historical context from its construction at the request of Saint Odile until its decline. The St Nicolas chapel is only a few dozen meters away. Beautiful views towards the valley or towards the summit where the Hohenburg castle and the Sainte Odile basilica protrude majestically.

Sevi (Sevi) (3 years ago)
Unfortunately, everything is fenced in and you can't get to the ruins directly.

sandrine Hossann (3 years ago)
Too bad we can't enter the site. otherwise super nice as a walk. the site and 10 minutes from the car park. you can also take a nice little hike from this car park. to redo. ?‍♀️

Bernhard Kunz (4 years ago)
The ruin is partially accessible. The original monastery went back to a hospice founded by St. Odilia between 700 and 710 at the foot of the Mount Sainte-Odile. A few years later, this hospice was expanded into a monastery under the direction of St. Gundelinde, Odilia's niece. It was dependent on the sister abbey of Hohenburg (Odilienberg) from its foundation until 1017. In 1017 independence was guaranteed by the free election of the abbess and a steward. The importance of the abbey declined in the 14th century. When the church and abbey building burned down in 1542, they were never rebuilt.

Escobaria Gracilis (8 years ago)
Nice old abbey ruin at the foot of Mont Ste Odile.

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