Germany - Neresheim Abbey

Neresheim Abbey - officially Abbey of Saints Ulrich and Afra - was founded in 1095 as a house of (secular) Augustinian Canons, and converted to a Benedictine monastery in 1106. The abbey complex is situated on a hill, overlooking the town of Neresheim.

In the 13th century, the abbey owned seven villages and it had an income from a further 71 places in the area. Ten parish churches were incorporated. During wars and conflicts the monastery was destroyed several times. In 1802 the monastery was secularized. In the year of 1810 the abbey was annexed by the Kingdom of Würtemmberg. In 1919 the abbey was resettled by Benedictines from Beuron Archabbey; nowadays the abby is still part of the Benedictine congregation of Beuron.

Originally the monastery had a roman basilica, but in 1695 it was transformed to a baroque church. After much internal debate, in 1745, the decision was taken to build a new abbey church. It was built between 1747 and 1792 from plans by the famous architect Balthasar Neumann. After his death (1753) his disciples and followers continued his work. It is considered being a masterpiece of European baroque. The domes were frescoed by Austrian painter Martin Knoller from Austria during six summers (1770-75). They show Jesus Christ in the centre surrounded by scenes from his life. In 1966 the domes had become in danger of collapse and the building had to be closed. During a nine years lasting restoration this wonderful work of faith and art could be saved and conserved.

There are still monks loving and working in the monastery. It has also a bookshop and a restaurant for visitors.
The monks run a conference centre. If you like a monastic kind of a stay there is also a guesthouse.