Eibingen Abbey, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

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.

References:

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User Reviews

Timo Honkanen (3 months ago)
I was there at the time the monastery was closed. However, the surroundings indicate that this got to be a very interesting place. The buildings were well maintained as well as everything around them.

Dóra Deák (4 months ago)
Visited in autumn, little bit foggy weather. Walked all the way from the cruise ship, nice walk. And interesting know the history of the place. Free of charge visit, information boards, and big souvenirs shop.

Erkki Koski-Lammi (5 months ago)
Amazing place to visit. We visited church, weinshop and good cafe. Amazing view and good wines

Daniela Vraždová (6 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 (9 months ago)
Nice place. Extremely tasty canteen. Also quite cheep

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