Kloster Niedernburg, Benedictine abbey in Passau, Germany.
Kloster Niedernburg is a Benedictine monastery in Passau featuring a three-nave Romanesque pillar basilica as its main church. The structure showcases a Gothic choir and Baroque vaults that blend architectural styles from different periods.
The monastery was founded in 772 by Duke Tassilo III and received imperial status in 1010 under Abbess Heilika. It became part of Passau's prince-bishopric in 1161, marking a shift in its governance and role.
The church serves as a pilgrimage destination because Queen Gisela, sister of Emperor Henry II, is buried here. Visitors from Hungary come to honor this royal figure who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary.
The monastery now houses two Gisela schools and a student dormitory, which limits access for regular visitors. The church opens occasionally for tours, so checking ahead about current visiting opportunities is advisable.
The monastery collected water tolls, market fees, and Bohemian tolls from trade passing through Passau during the Middle Ages. These revenues made it an economically powerful institution that benefited from the city's merchant activities.
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