Maria Laach Abbey

Maria Laach Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in the late 11th century on the shore of the Laacher See lake in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The complex is noted for its Romanesque abbey church and medieval monastic architecture.

The principal attraction is the Romanesque abbey church with its preserved stonework, sculptural decoration and a cloister dating from the medieval period. Visitors also see monastic buildings and the abbey’s gardens on the lakeshore; the site continues to function as a working Benedictine community.

Founded around 1093 by Heinrich II, Count Palatine of Laach, the abbey grew as a religious center in the Middle Ages. It experienced secularisation and revival phases over centuries and the present monastic community maintains religious life alongside conservation of the historic fabric.

Located on the western shore of Laacher See in the Eifel region, the abbey lies in western Germany roughly west of the city of Koblenz in Rhineland-Palatinate.

• Founding date: Founded in the late 11th century by Heinrich II, Count Palatine of Laach, with the abbey church dating from the Romanesque period.

What to See #

• Abbey church: Abbey church - a Romanesque church begun in the late 11th century, notable for its vaulted architecture and medieval stonework.
• Cloister and monastic buildings: Cloister and monastic buildings - arranged around the church and containing cloistered walkways, chapter house and later monastic additions used by the Benedictine community.