Ottobeuren Abbey, Benedictine abbey in Ottobeuren, Germany
Ottobeuren Abbey is a vast monastic complex in Bavaria comprising over 250 rooms, 20 halls, and several courtyards built in baroque style. The basilica features three successive cupolas decorated with sculptures and religious paintings, while the splendid library showcases ornate ceiling frescoes.
The monastery was founded in 764 by nobleman Silach and received imperial status in 1299. The current baroque appearance resulted from a major rebuild between 1737 and 1766 undertaken by architects Simpert Kraemer and Johann Fischer, who transformed the entire structure.
The abbey church hosts regular classical concerts in the Kaisersaal, presenting performances on the historical Riepp organ and the large Marienorgel instrument.
Take time to explore both the church interior and the ornate library with its painted ceilings at your own pace. On Saturdays at 4:00 PM, organ concerts take place in the basilica, offering an opportunity to hear the historical instruments in action.
The choir stalls in the church showcase exceptional examples of Southern German Baroque craftsmanship with masterful carving details. A Romanesque crucifix from 1220 is also housed here, offering a glimpse into the medieval furnishings that preceded the baroque decoration.
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