Burtscheid Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Aachen-Mitte, Germany
Burtscheid Abbey is a monastery complex in Aachen-Mitte featuring a church and several related buildings. The stone structures display architectural characteristics designed by Johann Joseph Couven during the 18th century.
The monastery was founded in 997 under Emperor Otto III as a Benedictine house. It transformed into a Cistercian nunnery in 1220 under Emperor Frederick II.
The name Burtscheid derives from the Latin "Porceto" or "villa Porceto", not from the founder Gregor. The abbess introduced a gambling house in 1779 despite the refusal of the Aachen council, and the street Kasinostrasse still recalls it. The first abbot Gregor, buried beneath the altar after his death in 999, was venerated on 4 November as a feast day until the abbey's dissolution.
The complex now serves educational and administrative functions, which means access is restricted. It is best to inquire ahead about visiting options to learn about opening times and any available tours.
In 1779 the abbess opened a gambling house despite the refusal of Aachen's council, which then governed Burtscheid. The street beside the abbey still carries the name Kasinostrasse, recalling the casino.
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