Maria Laach Abbey, Benedictine monastery near Laacher See lake, Germany
Maria Laach Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Glees on the southwestern shore of Lake Laach, showing Romanesque architecture with six towers. The basilica has a wide interior with rounded arches, solid columns, and a western front set off by its enclosed forecourt.
Count Heinrich II von Laach founded the monastery in 1093 as a priory of Affligem. It became independent in 1127 under its first abbot Gilbert and continued its monastic life through the centuries.
Benedictine monks live and work here following rules their order has observed for over a thousand years. Visitors can hear the chants during services and witness how the monks divide their day between prayer and work.
The church is open to visitors during the day, and guests can also visit the nursery, workshops, and bookstore. Guests who wish to take part in monastic activities can stay in accommodations on site.
The forecourt from 1225, also called Paradise, is the only medieval open arcade hall of its kind north of the Alps. Its arches and columns form a passage between the outside world and the church entrance.
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