Ettal Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Ettal, Germany
Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the Graswang valley with a distinctive double-shelled green dome above its basilica. The Baroque buildings house a community of monks, a school, a brewery, distillery, and herb gardens.
A German emperor founded the monastery in 1330 on a major trade route between Italy and Augsburg. This location made it a significant center for religious life and economic activity in the region.
The place is named after Mary's grace and draws pilgrims seeking the marble statue at its heart. It remains a center of prayer and learning where monks live together following their daily routines.
The basilica is open to visitors during daylight hours with free access to the interior. Tours of the brewery and distillery can be arranged on site to see the monks' craft work.
A marble statue of Mary brought from Pisa by the founder stands at the heart of the church and draws pilgrims from afar. Many visitors come specifically to see this figure, which has been honored here since the monastery's beginning.
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