Heilsbronn Abbey Church

Heilsbronn, Germany

Heilsbronn Abbey was a Cistercian monastery at Heilsbronn founded in 1132–33 by Saint Otto of Bamberg. It was settled by monks from Ebrach Abbey, under the first abbot Rapotho. It was one of the wealthiest monasteries of Germany, with possessions around Franconia as far as Regensburg and in Württemberg. These rich endowments were mostly made by the dukes of Abenberg and their heirs, the Hohenzollern Burgraves of Nuremberg. It was the hereditary burial-place of the Hohenzollern family and ten burgraves of Nuremberg, five margraves and three electors of Brandenburg, besides many other persons of note, were buried here.

Heilsbronn was a flourishing monastery until the time of the Reformation. In 1530 Abbot John Schopper (1529–1540) founded a monastic school here, which later became a Protestant school for princes, and the doctrines of Luther gradually found favour in the monastery. His successor, Sebastian Wagner, openly supported Protestantism. He married and resigned in 1543. In 1549 Roman Catholicism was restored at Heilsbronn, but only ostensibly, and the abbey seems to have ceased to be a Catholic house in 1555, although it existed for some years longer. The last abbot who made any pretense to Catholic belief was Melchior Wunderer (1562–1578). The five succeeding abbots were Protestants, and in 1631 Heilsbronn ceased to be an abbey. Its valuable library was transferred to Erlangen.

The buildings of the monastery have mostly disappeared, with the exception of the fine church, known as Münster Heilsbronn, a Romanesque basilica, restored between 1851 and 1866, and possessing paintings by Albrecht Dürer.

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Details

Founded: 1132
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alex (2 years ago)
An impressive church! The area around the church was also beautifully designed. A visit is definitely worth it!
Osiris Pedroso (3 years ago)
Incredible interior, worth the trip.
Thomas Lischke (3 years ago)
After the extensive renovation of the outdoor facilities years ago, the Heilsbronn Minster has become more attractive. Guests are amazed and praise the ensemble. Unfortunately, the gastronomy in Heilsbronn is still more than bad, apart from the effects of the pandemic. In any case, this has to be reworked. The sidewalks in the city center are also a mockery. The city should be active because one does not want to be prosecuted with claims for recourse because of accidents. So, Mr. Pfeiffer, tackle the problem.
osiris pedroso (3 years ago)
Incredibly beautiful church, built in the 1300s.
Jutta Schwitters (4 years ago)
We have never seen such a winding church, interesting and educational. We will definitely visit Heilsbronn again. Cute and very clean old town. The stroll through the alleys was great. The cafe on the market is recommended. Delicious cakes and gingerbread.
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