Monastic Island of Reichenau in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Denkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg (in German)
Homepage der Gemeinde Reichenau (in German)
UNESCO Commission of Germany
Reichenau Monastery Island (Schloesser-Magazin, in German)
Klosterinsel Reichenau (Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission)(german only)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 9,061°
Latitude: 47,699°

Summary

The island of Reichenau on Lake Constance preserves the traces of the Benedictine monastery, founded in 724, which exercised remarkable spiritual, intellectual and artistic influence. The churches of St Mary and Marcus, St Peter and St Paul, and St George, mainly built between the 9th and 11th centuries, provide a panorama of early medieval monastic architecture in central Europe. Their wall paintings bear witness to impressive artistic activity.

Location on Map

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Monastic Island of Reichenau: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany

The Monastic Island of Reichenau, located in the District of Freiburg, State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical and cultural significance. This island, situated in Lake Constance, holds a rich history dating back to the early Middle Ages.

History

The island was first settled by monks in the 8th century, who established a Benedictine monastery under the leadership of Saint Pirmin. The monastery quickly became a center of religious and intellectual life, attracting scholars and artists from across Europe. The monks cultivated the land, transforming the island into a thriving agricultural community.

During the Carolingian period, the monastery reached its peak of influence and power. It became a renowned center for manuscript production, with its scriptorium producing numerous illuminated manuscripts of exceptional quality. These manuscripts, known as the Reichenau School, are considered masterpieces of medieval art and are now preserved in various museums and libraries around the world.

Over the centuries, the monastery faced numerous challenges, including Viking raids, fires, and political turmoil. However, it managed to survive and even flourish. The island continued to be an important religious and cultural center until the 11th century when it gradually declined in significance.

Current State

Today, the Monastic Island of Reichenau stands as a testament to its glorious past. It is home to three well-preserved churches: St. Mary and Marcus, St. Peter and Paul, and St. George. These churches showcase a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Carolingian to Romanesque, reflecting the island's historical development.

The island's landscape, with its orchards, vineyards, and gardens, has retained its medieval character. The agricultural practices introduced by the monks are still followed, contributing to the preservation of the island's cultural heritage. The traditional methods of cultivating fruits and vegetables have been passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of the island's unique agricultural landscape.

Visitors to the Monastic Island of Reichenau can explore its rich history through various guided tours and exhibitions. The Reichenau Museum, located in the former monastery, houses a collection of artifacts and manuscripts, providing insights into the island's past. The island also hosts cultural events and festivals, celebrating its heritage and attracting visitors from around the world.

Address
Distance: 2,2 mi
Hauptstr. 82
8272 Ermatingen
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 20:00

Videos from the area

Reichenau

Published: January 26, 2012
Length: 26:43 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Peter Jopp

Am 12. Mai 2010 Besuchte ich das Weltkulturerbe "Klosterinsel Reichenau. Mich interessierten vor allen Dingen die romanischen Kirchen St. Georg und Die Abteikirche "Münster St. Maria und Markus".

Vlog #21: Das Steam Team, die Reichenau und der Bildungsauftrag :-)

Published: November 10, 2013
Length: 37:19 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Kersten1966

Hallo Ihr da draussen an den Empfängnisgeräten! Heute gibt es mal wieder ein kleines Vlog über verschiedenen Dinge hier auf dem Kanal... weiter lernt Ihr was über die Reichenau :-) Viel...

Ganter Hotel & Restaurant Mohren, Insel Reichenau, Bodensee

Published: December 05, 2011
Length: 14:57 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: GanterHotelMohren

Gewinnen Sie einen Einblick in das Ganter Hotel & Restaurant Mohren und die idyllische Insel Reichenau.

Polka von Holzhauermusik

Published: August 09, 2012
Length: 33:19 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Klaus Haiber

Weinfest Insel Reichenau 04.08.12 Superstimmung durch Holzhauermusik Radolfzell.

Noche de juerga Pirminskeller

Published: February 10, 2013
Length: 59:35 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Manuel Royo

Spanischer Abend im Pirminskeller auf der Insel Reichenau.

Mohnfeldzauber

Published: June 06, 2012
Length: 51:08 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Karin Schmaler

In "Zeit für Mußestunden" habe ich dieses Video mit einem Beitrag veröffentlicht: http://goo.gl/biFW2 "... Jeden Frühling aber blühte der Mohn an den Straßenrändern und erfreute des...

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