Maulbronn Monastery: Echoing the Past

Maulbronn Monastery humbly hails as the most well-preserved medieval complex of its kind north of the Alps. Situated in a little German village of the same name, this beautiful reminder of the past welcomes visitors to explore its intricacies once cut off from the public’s eye.

Constructed between the 12th and the 14th centuries in Gothic and Romanesque styles, the monastery complex is made up of several quaint half-timbered structures including the staff’s quarters, an infirmary, mill, guardhouse, and stables. Easily the most impressive is the main monastery building which houses the church and living areas for the monks. The diamond vaults of the gothic ceiling lead the eye from the entrance of the church upwards and forward to the alter. High stained glass windows provide an appropriate backdrop for the centered crucifix and hidden choir area. The dark, carved wooden stalls for the singers have stood since the 1400’s and ache for another service. Outside this sanctuary, the arched ceilings of the cloisters seem to run forever as the entering sunlight makes the soft sandstone glow. These hallways quietly echo with the ancient chants of the monks buried underfoot. Only the Fountain House (sometimes called Well House) interrupts the meditating in the passageways – its three-tiered basins provide a quiet, trickling background music. The subtle, yet intricately detailed paintings worked into the ceiling architecture whisper from such areas as the church, Refectory, Chapterhouse, Library, and Locutory. It makes one wonder if the monks looked up to heaven because they were worshipping or simply admiring the handsome artwork above.

Aged and pure, Maulbronn is not widely known to the typical European tourist – making it more attractive to visit. Instead of crowds and lines, the monastery offers an escape from the outside world with one step inside its walled gates. Be the lone soul in the breezy, hollow corridors that bounce a deafening reverberation of your footsteps. Profoundly reflect on the years and the world events that passed by unnoticed to the reverent monks since the monastery’s completion. Throw your arms around an almost-thousand-year-old pillar and press your cheek up against the cold stone. Maulbronn Monastery hangs on to a forgotten time with a white-knuckled grip and is truly a unique experience.