Astheim Charterhouse
Christian·Germany·Museum and archives; partially ruined·15th century
Astheim Charterhouse, also known as Marienbrück Charterhouse, was a Carthusian monastery founded in 1409 near Volkach, Bavaria. Established by Erkinger von Seinsheim, it served as a family burial site for centuries and was settled by monks from Cologne Charterhouse. Dissolved in 1803 during the secularization of Bavaria, its surviving structures now house the archives of Volkach and the Kartausenmuseum Astheim, dedicated to Christian graphic art.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on June 2, 1409, by Erkinger von Seinsheim and his wife Anna von Bibra.
- ›Served as a burial place for the founding family and their descendants, the Barons and Princes von Schwarzenberg.
- ›Settled by Carthusian monks from Cologne Charterhouse.
- ›Dissolved in 1803 during the secularization of Bavaria.
- ›Surviving buildings include the 1603–09 church and the 1583 prior's lodging with a chapel.
- ›The site now hosts the Volkach town archives and the Kartausenmuseum Astheim.
Late Baroque, Baroque
Late Baroque High Altar, Choir Stalls, Prior's Lodging With A Chapel of St. John, Kartausenmuseum Astheim, Archives of Volkach
MarienbrüCk Charterhouse, Kloster Astheim, Kartause Astheim, Kartause MarienbrüCk, Pons Mariae
Erkinger Von Seinsheim, Anna Von Bibra, Barbara Von Abensberg, Michael Von Seinsheim, Hermann Von Seinsheim, Saint Bruno of Cologne, Oswald Onghers
- Founding of the Charterhouse
- Renewal and Confirmation of the Charterhouse
- Dissolution During the Secularization of Bavaria
About Astheim Charterhouse
Astheim Charterhouse, also known by its Latin name Pons Mariae and German variants such as Marienbrück Charterhouse, Kloster Astheim, and Kartause Marienbrück, was a significant Carthusian monastery located in Astheim, near Volkach in the Kitzingen district of Bavaria, Germany. Its establishment marked a notable moment in the region's religious and familial history.
History and Foundation
The charterhouse was founded on June 2, 1409, by Erkinger von Seinsheim and his first wife, Anna von Bibra. A primary purpose for its establishment was to serve as a burial site for their family, a role it fulfilled for the descendants of Erkinger, who later became known as the Barons and then Princes von Schwarzenberg. The charterhouse was further renewed and confirmed in 1434 by Erkinger, his second wife Barbara von Abensberg, and Anna's sons, Michael and Hermann. The monastery was settled by Carthusian monks who arrived from the Cologne Charterhouse.
Dissolution and Survival
Astheim Charterhouse met its end in 1803, coinciding with the secularization of Bavaria. Following the dissolution, the buildings passed into the ownership of the Princes of Schwarzenberg, who were direct descendants of the founder. While the majority of the monastery's structures were demolished, key buildings were preserved. These include the church, constructed between 1603 and 1609, and the prior's lodging, which dates back to 1583 and contains a chapel dedicated to St. John.
Present Day
The surviving architectural remnants of Astheim Charterhouse are now repurposed for contemporary use. The church, noted for its Late Baroque high altar from 1723–24 featuring an altarpiece by Oswald Onghers depicting Saint Bruno of Cologne and the Virgin Mary, and its choir stalls from 1606, remains a significant historical structure. The prior's lodging and associated buildings now accommodate the archives of the town of Volkach. Furthermore, since 1999, a museum known as the Kartausenmuseum Astheim has been operational on the site. This museum, managed by the Diocese of Würzburg, is dedicated to Christian graphic art and houses approximately 600 exhibits on this theme.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Astheim Charterhouse founded?
Astheim Charterhouse was founded on June 2, 1409. The charterhouse was renewed and confirmed in 1434 by Erkinger von Seinsheim and his second wife, Barbara von Abensberg, along with Anna's sons Michael and Hermann.
What was the primary purpose of Astheim Charterhouse?
The charterhouse was initially founded as a burial place for Erkinger von Seinsheim's family. This function continued for several centuries for his descendants, the Barons and later Princes von Schwarzenberg.
What happened to Astheim Charterhouse after its dissolution?
The charterhouse was dissolved in 1803 during the secularization of Bavaria. In 1804, the buildings were acquired by the Princes of Schwarzenberg. While most structures were demolished, the church and prior's lodging remain.
What can be seen at the site of Astheim Charterhouse today?
Today, the surviving buildings accommodate the archives of the town of Volkach. Since 1999, the site also hosts the Kartausenmuseum Astheim, a museum run by the Diocese of Würzburg, which specializes in Christian graphic art.
Who founded Astheim Charterhouse?
Astheim Charterhouse was founded by Erkinger von Seinsheim and his first wife, Anna von Bibra. They established it as a place for their family's burial.
Related Monasteries
Xanten Charterhouse
Xanten Charterhouse was a former Carthusian monastery established in 1417, initially near Wesel before relocating to Xanten in 1628. It operated until 1802 when it was suppressed during Napoleonic secularization. Today, the former monastery buildings serve dual purposes, housing the town library in the upper levels and a bar and restaurant on the ground floor.
Ilmbach Charterhouse
Ilmbach Charterhouse, also known as Mariengarten Charterhouse, was a former Carthusian monastery located in Prichsenstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1453, it endured destruction during the Peasants' War and was dissolved in 1803 during the secularization of Bavaria. Today, only its 17th-century sandstone entrance gateway remains, relocated to a farm near Bamberg.
Vogelsang Charterhouse
Vogelsang Charterhouse was a Carthusian monastery located near Jülich, Germany, founded in 1478. It was dedicated to the compassion of Mary and, despite facing periods of destruction and economic hardship, experienced a golden age of prosperity in the late 17th century. The charterhouse was secularised in 1802, with its lands and buildings subsequently sold and largely demolished.