WORTH A CLOSER LOOKHIDDEN TREASURES

Alpirsbach Monastery is a place where monastic life has been unusually well preserved, from an impressive church to details of daily life. Alpirsbach is worth a second and third look, in search of hidden treasures.

Bell tower in the monastery church at Alpirsbach Monastery. Image: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Markus Schwerer

TWO WERE PLANNED

The position of the bell towers as choir-flanking towers was inspired by Lothringen. Two were originally planned for Alpirsbach as well.

The bell tower

Choir stalls in the church at Alpirsbach Monastery. Image: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Rose Hajdu

SCULPTURAL HIGH ART

Only parts of the ornately decorated choir stalls with filigreed tracery canopies and carvings have survived.

The choir stalls

Altar of Mary at Alpirsbach Monastery. Image: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Dirk Altenkirch

LATE GOTHIC MASTERPIECE

The late Gothic altar of St. Mary in the monastery church is a masterpiece by Ulm sculptor Nikolaus Weckmann.

The altar of Mary