Eibingen Abbey (in German Abtei St. Hildegard) is Benedictine nunnery, originally founded in 1165 by Hildegard von Bingen. It was dissolved at the beginning of the 19th century during the secularization of this part of Germany. The present community was established by Charles, 6th Prince of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg in 1904 and re-settled from St. Gabriel's Abbey, Bertholdstein. The nunnery belongs to the Beuronese Congregation within the Benedictine Confederation. The current buildings were also built between 1900-1904 in Neo-Romanticism style.

In 1941, the nuns were expelled by the Nazis; they were not able to return until 1945. In 1988, the sisters founded Marienrode Priory at Hildesheim, which became independent of Eibingen in 1998.

The nuns work in the vineyard and in the craft workshops, besides undertaking the traditional duties of hospitality. They can be heard (but not seen) singing their regular services. The abbey is a Rhine Gorge World Heritage Site. The church has been used for concerts of the Rheingau Musik Festival, such as a 'BachTrompetenGala' with Edgar Krapp, organ.

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Founded: 1900-1904
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: German Empire (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Daniela Vraždová (2 months ago)
Beautiful and Holy place! Definitely recommend! I also really liked the audioguide in various languages available through a QR code at the church entrance.
Martynas Mikulevicius (5 months ago)
Nice place. Extremely tasty canteen. Also quite cheep
Nina Trubanová (8 months ago)
The shop offers books, wine, souvenirs, and many local products, such as spice and tea mixes, and vegan snacks.
gitte cikær Jensen (13 months ago)
Very interesting place with a lot of things to see and taste and buy in the little café and shop. And the walk to/from there was also beautiful.
Mariana Schnell (14 months ago)
The abbey is worth the trek. Beautiful grounds. The cafe has goodies made by the nun. The shop is also very good.
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