Plankstetten Abbey

Plankstetten, Germany

Plankstetten Abbey was founded in 1129 as a private monastery of the bishops of Eichstätt by Count Ernst of Hirschberg and his brother Gebhard of Hirschberg, Bishop of Eichstätt. The Romanesque crypt remains from the time of the foundation.

After the decline in monastic standards in the 15th century, the abbey was reformed by Abbot Ulrich IV Dürner (1461–94), who also founded the brewery. The abbey was badly damaged during the German Peasants' War (1525) and again in the Thirty Years' War (1618–48).

Major buildings works in the Baroque style were undertaken from the end of the 17th century. Under Abbot Romanus Dettinger (1694–1703), he created the entrance gateway with the abbot's lodging above it, the Prelates' Hall and the Banqueting Hall, as well as the corner tower on the way to the inner courtyard. The next abbot, Dominikus II Heuber (1704–11), continued the building works with the move of the sacristy and the construction of the new brewery (now the library).

Later in the century, Abbot Dominikus IV Fleischmann (1757–92) undertook the refurbishment of the abbey church. The crossing chapels are due to him; their stucco work was carried out by Johann Jakob Berg, stucco master to the court of Eichstätt. Dominikus IV was also responsible for the guesthouse opposite the main gateway.

In 1806, in the course of the secularisation of Bavaria, the monastery was dissolved and the buildings and estates auctioned off. As early as 1856, there were plans to re-found the abbey, but these came to nothing, as the government authorities refused to give the necessary consents.

Finally, in 1904, thanks to the financial support of the Barons Cramer-Klett, Plankstetten was re-settled as a priory of Scheyern Abbey and was raised again to the status of abbey in 1917. In 1958, a 'Realschule' with a boarding house was opened in Bavaria. The school closed in 1988. This caused the abbey to re-examine their role and possible options, and the community now runs a training centre, a monastery shop, a farm, a nursery for plants, a butchery and a bakery, which have been organic since 1994. The boarding facilities are now used as a guesthouse.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1129
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Myroslav Kashchuk (3 months ago)
This monastery is a pearl in local area.
Kiren Kaur (7 months ago)
Beautiful Abbey and they have a restaurant serving amazing schnitzel and freshly brewed beer and juices.
Ralph Hershberger (11 months ago)
My visit to Plankstetten Abbey for the annual Maibock Fest was nothing short of spectacular, a perfect melding of monastic tranquility and festive merriment. Nestled in the serene landscapes of Bavaria, the abbey itself is a marvel of historic architecture and spiritual dedication. However, it’s during the Maibock Fest that this sacred place truly comes alive with culture, cuisine, and artisanal craftsmanship. Upon arrival, the first thing that struck me was the abbey’s commitment to sustainability and organic practices. The monks at Plankstetten have embraced a holistic approach to living that is deeply inspiring. Their efforts are evident in the quality of the organic foods presented at the fest, and in the exceptional beer brewed right within the monastery’s walls. The Maibock beer, a star of the festival, was an absolute delight. Brewed by the monks, this seasonal specialty has a rich, golden hue and a smooth, robust flavor with just the right hint of malt sweetness. Its uniqueness lies not just in the taste but also in the traditional brewing methods preserved by the monastic community. The festival atmosphere was electric, with live music that perfectly complemented the rustic and joyful ambiance. The bands played a variety of tunes that catered to all ages and tastes, making sure that the festive spirit was kept alive throughout the event. Food, a pivotal part of any festivity, was abundant and delectable. The highlight for many, myself included, was the slow-roasted whole ox. This showstopper was not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the abbey’s culinary prowess. The meat was tender, succulently cooked to perfection, and served with a variety of sides that celebrated local produce and traditional recipes. Aside from the main attractions, there were numerous stalls featuring organic produce from the monastery’s own gardens, homemade preserves, and artisan crafts. Each booth told a story of heritage and dedication to craftsmanship that resonates deeply with the Benedictine ethos of labor and prayer. What truly sets Plankstetten Abbey’s Maibock Fest apart is the sense of community and shared joy. Both the monks and the visitors come together in a celebration that transcends just a beer festival—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Bavarian culture, monastic heritage, and sustainable living. In conclusion, my experience at the Plankstetten Abbey Maibock Fest was exceptional. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in genuine Bavarian hospitality, relish outstanding organic cuisine, and enjoy superbly crafted beer, this fest is a must-visit. The combination of divine setting, vibrant festivities, and the warm welcome by the monastic community makes it a five-star event that I recommend wholeheartedly.
Mandy Siebenhaar (3 years ago)
They had lots of unique handmade items available at the weekend fair. Especially the woodwork interested me. Food was delicious and we look forward to going back to the harvest fair.
Stefan Klabe (3 years ago)
Normal
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.