Eberbach Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Rheingau, Germany
Eberbach Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery in Eltville am Rhein, now serving as a museum, winery and event venue. The complex includes a Romanesque basilica with Gothic elements, cloisters, monks' dormitories and several cellar buildings where wine is stored.
Bernard of Clairvaux founded the abbey in 1136 as part of the Cistercian order's expansion across the Holy Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages up to 100 monks and 200 lay brothers lived here, clearing the valley and practicing viticulture.
The name Eberbach comes from a small stream that flows through the valley, where monks have cultivated vineyards since the 12th century. Today visitors can explore the old wine cellars, where Riesling from the region is stored and tasted.
Guided tours through the monastery grounds take place regularly and explain the architecture as well as the history of wine production. During the Rheingau Music Festival in summer, concerts are held in the basilica, for which admission tickets are required.
The monastery served in 1986 as the main filming location for the movie 'The Name of the Rose', where Sean Connery walked through these halls as a medieval detective. The cloister and library scenes were shot within the original stone walls.
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