Seligenstadt Abbey

In Seligenstadt Abbey, monks lived according to Benedictine rules for almost 1000 years. Today, the abbey with its venerable buildings and magnificent garden once again presents itself as a Baroque ensemble and provides an impressive insight into monastic life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

At a glance

Klosterhof 2
63500 Seligenstadt

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Opening Hours

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: Abbey garden is freely accessible

Next event

03/07, 13:00–15:00 – Kunst.Hand.Werk.

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History

A visit to the former Benedictine Abbey of Seligenstadt provides an impressive insight into monastic life according to the Rule of Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547). In the 66th of a total of 73 chapters, it says: „The monastery should, if possible, be laid out in such a way that everything necessary, namely water, mill and garden, is located within the monastery and the various kinds of craft can be practised there. Thus the monks need not wander about outside, for that is not good for them at all.“ Thus the Benedictine abbey founded in 828 by Einhard, Charlemagne‘s advisor, functioned like a city within a city until its dissolution in 1803.

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Three sandstone figures in a garden in front of a house with green shutters, surrounded by plants and autumn trees. — The “Angel Garden” in the abbey courtyard. The statues show the Mother of God Mary, framed by Saints. Nepomuk and Philip Neri. Behind it the building of the abbey mill.

Photo: Michael Leukel, 2017

View through an arcade archway into a courtyard with a fountain in the centre, surrounded by green lawns and a monastery in the background. — The abbey cloister.

Photo: Michael Leukel, 2017

A magnificent room with high, vaulted and painted ceilings, decorated wall panels and a central mural, containing long wooden tables set with medieval cutlery. — View into the summer refectory of the abbey.

Photo: Michael Leukel, 2017

Display Rooms of the Prelature

A tour of the display rooms, especially the prelature, reveals just how well Seligenstadt Abbey was run in the 18th century.

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Current Events & Bookable Offerings

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Meetings, Celebrations & Weddings

You would like to get married, celebrate or hold a meeting in the monastery – discover together with your family, friends or business partners the special charm of the former Benedictine abbey of Seligenstadt, picturesquely situated on the Main river.

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