Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
Unesco World Heritage

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Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch

The Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the District of Bergstrasse, State of Hesse (Hessen), Germany. This historic site holds immense cultural and historical significance, dating back to the Carolingian era in the 8th century.

History

The Abbey of Lorsch was founded in 764 AD by the Frankish Count Cancor and his wife Williswinda. It quickly became one of the most important monastic centers in the Carolingian Empire. The abbey played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the preservation of knowledge during this period.

Under the patronage of Charlemagne, the abbey flourished and became a center of learning and culture. It housed a renowned scriptorium, where numerous manuscripts were produced and copied, contributing to the preservation of classical texts. The abbey also played a significant role in the development of Carolingian art and architecture.

Throughout the centuries, the Abbey of Lorsch faced various challenges, including Viking raids and political turmoil. Despite these difficulties, it continued to thrive and expand. However, in the 11th century, the abbey's influence began to decline, and it eventually fell into the hands of secular rulers.

Current State

Today, the Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Carolingian era. The site consists of several well-preserved structures, including the Carolingian gatehouse, the ruins of the basilica, and the Altenmünster, a former monastery building.

The Carolingian gatehouse, known as the Torhalle, is one of the most iconic features of the site. It is a grand entrance gate adorned with intricate sculptures and decorative elements. The Torhalle serves as a striking example of Carolingian architecture and is considered one of the earliest surviving stone buildings in Germany.

The ruins of the basilica, although incomplete, still showcase the grandeur and sophistication of Carolingian design. Visitors can explore the remaining walls and columns, gaining insight into the layout and scale of the original structure.

The Altenmünster, which was once a monastic building, now houses a museum dedicated to the history and archaeology of the site. The museum displays a range of artifacts, including religious objects, sculptures, and fragments of the original architecture.

The Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch is not only a remarkable architectural site but also a place of cultural and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the Carolingian Empire's intellectual and artistic achievements and its contribution to the development of Western civilization.

Recognizing its outstanding universal value, the Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The site continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region and the legacy of the Carolingian era.

Hotels and places to stay

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Alleehotel Europa

Address
Distance: 2,9 mi
Europaallee 45
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Boarding House

Address
Distance: 3,0 mi
Europa Allee 43-45
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Bacchus

Address
Distance: 2,9 mi
Rodensteinstr. 30
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Am Bruchsee

Address
Distance: 3,1 mi
Am Bruchsee 1
64646 Heppenheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 10:30 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Karolinger Hof

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
Lindenstr. 14
64653 Lorsch
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 11:00
Reception
Weekday: 6:30 - 20:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 16:00

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Tobbaccon

Address
Distance: 1,4 mi
Albert-Einstein-Allee 2-8
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Seeblick

Address
Distance: 2,8 mi
Berliner Ring 108
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 21:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 21:00

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Residenz

Address
Distance: 3,0 mi
Europa Allee 45
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Felix

Address
Distance: 2,8 mi
Dammstr. 46
64625 Bensheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Jäger

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
Bahnhofstr. 79
64653 Lorsch
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Videos from the area

Kloster Lorsch in 60 Sec | UNESCO Welterbe

Published: July 05, 2012
Length: 16:32 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: DW (Deutsch)

Welterbe seit 1991. Das Kloster Lorsch war eines der bedeutendsten Machtzentren des Mittelalters. Die sogenannte „Königshalle" ist das einzige aus der Karolingerzeit erhaltene Bauwerk des...

Schwerverletzte Person bei Wohnhausbrand in der Neckarstraße in Lorsch am 11.12.2014

Published: December 11, 2014
Length: 23:40 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: DasEckigeAuge

Wohnhausbrand in Lorsch am 11.12.2014, näheres ist derzeit nicht bekannt.

Mond & Wolkenspiel am 10.10.2014 in Lorsch

Published: October 11, 2014
Length: 19:03 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: DasEckigeAuge

Gefilmt mit einem HTC One Mini 2 und einem Bresser 76/700 Spiegelteleskop.

Auftakt zur 1. Mountainbike Transodenwaldtour

Published: June 07, 2012
Length: 45:37 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Odenwaldbike

Bei guten Wetter startete heute die 1.Transodenwaldtour per Mountainbike. Über 4 Tage führt die Tour durch eine der schönsten Mittelgebirgslandschaften Deutschlands, den Odenwald. Von Lorsch...

Wohnhausbrand in Lorscher Neckarstraße 11.12.2014, Schwer verletze Person

Published: December 11, 2014
Length: 18:54 min
Rating: 2 of 5
Author: DasEckigeAuge

In Lorsch ist am Morgen ein Brand in einem Wohnhaus ausgebrochen. Dabei wurde mindestens eine Frau schwer verletzt. Sie wurde mit schweren Verbrennungen nach Ludwigshafen ins ...

Aufnahme des Mondes am 06.10.14 durch ein Bresser 76/700

Published: October 06, 2014
Length: 26:18 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: DasEckigeAuge

Recht wackelige Aufnahme des Mondes am 06.10.14 durch ein Bresser 76/700 Spiegelteleskop. Unten ein kleiner Fehler, verursacht durch einen Schaden an der Linse. (6mm)

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