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.

After the consecration, a large narthex was added to the church. This narthex ("Paradies") is done in a really remarkable architectural, early gothic style. The narthex was planned and built before 1200 probably by a genius, who had experiences from Northern France and Burgundy. The monastery had all the cistercian connections, so it was easy to find a "top architect".

His name is not known, so the name given to him by art historians is "Meister des Maulbronner Paradieses" (Master of Maulbronn Paradise). He created not only the narthex, but as well parts of the cloister and the refectorium, so we will meet him again.

Another close up of the wooden door. The medieval artist blacksmith, who created the iron works in 1200, seems to have had a certain sense of humour. He added this little bird. Knowing that Cistercians always had lots of ponds around the monasteries and were experts in fish farming, this is -maybe- a duck.