Osterhofen Abbey, Premonstratensian monastery in Altenmarkt, Bavaria, Germany
Osterhofen Abbey is a former Premonstratensian monastery in Bavaria with a church featuring high arched ceilings and complex decorative paintings. The building complex now serves as a school campus while preserving the Baroque interior arrangements as they were originally designed.
The monastery was founded in the early 11th century and later joined the Premonstratensian order before being dissolved during secularization. The spiritual community ended with this state closure, but the site was soon repurposed for new functions.
The monastery church displays works by the celebrated Asam brothers, whose frescoes and sculptures fill the space with dynamic Baroque artistry. This artistic arrangement makes the place an important example of how religious spaces were designed and decorated during this period.
The site now houses a girls school, so visitor access may be limited and should be arranged according to school events and activities. It is wise to check ahead about any visiting opportunities before planning a trip.
The high altar displays an unusual scene of Saint Margaret alongside a statue of Venus, showing how pagan and Christian artistic traditions were blended together. This surprising combination reveals much about the creative freedom artists enjoyed during the Baroque period.
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