Maulbronn Monastery

Why Maulbronn in Germany is special
It is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval monastery and an architectural treasure.

Maulbronn tips and insights
Building
Two building complexes lie within the Maulbronn Monastery fortified walls:

• The monastery itself
  It is clearly the star. Highlights include the church and its porch, the vaulted cloisters and refectory, and the fountain house (see left side of photo). The architectural style is transitional. Romanesque gradually gave way to the lighter and airier Gothic design.
  
• The half-timbered buildings
  They are a set of photogenic half-timbered buildings (see right side of photo). They are used partially to service visitors with dining and shopping facilities. These structures are not as old as they look (though some of their foundations date back centuries).

Winemaking
This was a major source of income for the monks. Their vineyards blanketed nearby slopes.

History in brief
The Roman Catholic Cistercian order founded Maulbronn Monastery in the 12th century. The monks left for good during the 16th century Martin Luther inspired Reformation. A half century later, the site became a Protestant seminary, which still operates today.

Modest tourism
You are unlikely to find Maulbronn Monastery overrun with tourists because it is off the beaten tour-bus path. It is reached through country roads.

Location in Germany