Stift Urach, Evangelical monastery in Bad Urach, Germany
Stift Urach is a monastery complex in Bad Urach featuring multiple structures arranged around a central courtyard in traditional German religious architectural style. The ensemble houses a total of 52 guest rooms and several spaces for gatherings and spiritual activities.
The monastery was founded in 1477 by Count Eberhard V of Württemberg and became a spiritual center for a religious community. In the early 16th century, it was temporarily used for printing religious texts in Slavic languages.
The site takes its name from a nearby spring and serves today as a place for reflection where visitors can spend time in quiet spaces. The community living here shapes daily life through their presence and work on the grounds.
The grounds are easily accessible on foot with clear paths between the various buildings and outdoor areas. Visitors should note that the site functions mainly as an active retreat center, so quiet conduct is expected.
Between 1599 and 1793, the monastery building served as the headquarters of a major linen trading company and was repurposed for commercial purposes. This shift shows how religious sites could take on different economic functions over time.
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