Øm Abbey, Cistercian abbey ruins in Skanderborg Municipality, Denmark.
Øm Abbey consists of ruins situated between Mossø and Gudensø lakes, with stone structures and foundations marking the original monastic layout from the medieval period. The site displays the typical arrangement of a Cistercian complex with distinct building areas that have been revealed through archaeological excavation.
The monastery was founded in 1172 by Cistercian monks arriving from Vitskøl Abbey, who established a new community in this location. In 1560, monastic life ended here with the Reformation movement, as the last monk relocated to Sorø Abbey.
The Øm Abbey Chronicle, written by local monks between 1207 and 1267, documents monastic life and provides detailed records of medieval Danish society.
The site is easy to navigate with clear paths connecting the different areas of the ruins and helping visitors understand the layout. There is a museum with audio guides in several languages and information boards to learn more about the medieval excavations.
The grounds feature an old medicinal herb garden with about 80 plant species that reflect the monks' medieval healing practices. These herbs were once used to create salves and tinctures and remain an important part of the site today.
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