Prüm Abbey, Benedictine abbey in Prüm, Germany

Prüm Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery whose 1721 church now serves as a parish church. The former monastic buildings house the Regino-Gymnasium, a secondary school. The long wing has a pinkish-red stone base, a white middle section with tall windows framed in pinkish-red, and a steep dark slate roof with dormer windows.

Prüm Abbey was founded in 721 by Bertrada the Elder and her son Charibert; the first abbot was Angloardus. In 751/752 Pepin the Short re-established it with Benedictine monks from Meaux and endowed it richly by a deed of 13 August 762. Pope Leo III consecrated the church of the Saviour on 26 July 799 in Charlemagne's presence. Emperor Lothair I became a monk here in 855 and was buried in the abbey church; his grave was rediscovered in 1860.

The abbey's school taught Ado, later archbishop of Vienne, and the poet Wandalbert, who headed it. Today the Regino-Gymnasium, named after Abbot Regino of Prüm, occupies the former monastic buildings. The church, built in 1721 under Elector Ludwig, now serves as a parish church.

The complex is easily reached on foot and lies in the town center, where visitors can view the church and outer buildings. Note that parts of the grounds serve the school and may not be accessible at all times.

The abbey's most notable relic is a pair of the Sandals of Christ, mentioned in Pepin's deed of 762 and said to have come from Rome as a papal gift. They are still kept in a shrine in the church. The monastic library was burned in the Norman raid of 882, destroying most of its manuscripts.