Niederaltaich Abbey, Benedictine abbey in Niederalteich, Germany

Niederaltaich Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Niederalteich on the Danube, founded in 744–747 and dedicated to Saint Maurice. The photograph shows pale beige facades with dark roofs under snow, rows of rectangular windows with white frames and dark shutters, and an arched entrance on the right wing. A tall square clock tower with a steeply pointed spire rises above the main roofline; the north tower was built in 1730–1735 to match the earlier one erected by Carlo Antonio Carlone in 1698.

The abbey was founded in 741 by Duke Odilo of Bavaria and populated with monks sent from Reichenau Island. It quickly became a major religious center in the region and played an important role in spreading monasticism throughout Bavaria.

Since 1924, when Pius XI asked the Benedictines to make Eastern theology and spirituality known in the West, the monks have prayed in two rites: one community follows the Roman rite, the other the Byzantine rite. Both celebrate the Eucharist and Divine Office in German, with liturgical texts also translated from Church Slavonic and Greek. In 1986 a church and chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas were set up in the former monastery brewery for the Byzantine rite.

The church is open to visitors daily, and guided tours can be arranged in advance by contacting the monastery. Hours may vary depending on season and religious services, so it is wise to check before planning your visit.

The first abbot, Eberswind, was more than a religious leader and contributed significantly to early medieval law in Bavaria. He helped shape the Lex Baiuvariorum, an early legal code, demonstrating how the monastery extended its influence far beyond spiritual matters into secular governance.