Maulbronn - Monastery

Maulbronn Monastery was founded in 1147. The church, built in a style transitional from Romanesque to Gothic, was consecrated in 1178. Most other buildings followed within the 13th century. The complex is believed to be one of the the best-preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex north of the Alpes (some claim "in Europe"). Since 1993 Maulbronn is part of the Unesco World Heritage.

Two clearly separated parts form the large Cisterian monastery, following Benedict of Nursia´s famous dictum "Ora et Labora" (Pray and Work). These half-timbered buildings seen on the previous shot belonged to the Labora-side. Here is the "Ora" side. In front of the church is a large narthex, called "Paradies".

As you can see from the scaffolding all around the church, my "bad luck", that had started a couple of days ago in Fritzlar, continued in Lorsch yesterday. now found me here. Wherever I arrived - the scaffoldings had arrived earlier ...