laacher munster

We were fortunate to see the Laacher Munster which is part of the Maria Laach Abbey. The church is very old but well taken care. The church is maintained by the Benedictine Abbey and by its fathers (priests), brothers (monks/artisans) and the hired workers. The church has gorgeous mosaic religious scenes. at 5 PM the order has a procession and perform Vespers (Gregorian chant) for 30 minutes. It is glorious and beautiful to hear. It appears that the church also sponsors concerts during the year too. There is a small chapel where candles can be lit and messages can be written for prayers. The church is lit just before Vespers and noon prayer so this is a good time to come and take pictures. Lovely. I would not recommend this for small children. Take your time and visit the grounds. There is a lovely hotel next door with grounds that are open to the public. There is even a giant chess board where you can challenge your friends to a game or two.

This monasterial church with 6 towers (Laacher Münster) is a domed Basilica with a prestigeous west entrance, the so-called Paradise (unique in its kind at the North of the Alps). Its early 13th century cloister was restaured in 1859 and is considered as one of the most beautiful monuments of Romanesque architecture of the Salian Germany ages (one can find the lion fountain overthere). In 1926 Pope Pius XI gave the Church the honorary title of "Basilica minor". Its interior is rather dark and thus rather difficult to photograph.

Eine wunderbare Klosteranlage, man kann hier Ruhe genießen, aber auch das gute Essen genießen, durch die Gärtnerei und den Buchhandel bummeln, das Naturkundemuseum besichtigen oder auch einfach nur am See spazieern und auf dem See Tretboot fahren

Besonders romantisch ist die Ansicht vom Laacher See aus. Also ab zum Bootsverleih und raus auf den See :)