Himmerod Abbey
Cistercian·Germany·Spiritual center, museum, partially open to public·12th century
Himmerod Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded in 1135, with a history marked by periods of flourishing and decline. It underwent a second foundation in 1922 and played a role in historical events such as the preparation for German re-armament. The abbey was dissolved in 2017 due to financial constraints and a dwindling monastic community, but its property is now managed by the Diocese of Trier as a spiritual center, with parts of the site remaining open to the public.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1135 as a direct foundation of Clairvaux Abbey by Saint Bernard.
- ›The original Romanesque church was completed in 1178.
- ›The monastery was re-founded in 1922 by German Cistercian monks.
- ›The 'Himmerod memorandum' prepared for the re-armament of Germany was drafted here in 1950.
- ›Dissolved in October 2017 due to financial difficulties and a small number of monks.
- ›The property was transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier and continues as a spiritual center.
Romanesque, Baroque
Famous Organ By Johannes Klais, Museum of Enamel Art, Old Mill Building, Himmerod Drucke Publishing House
Kloster Himmerod
Saint Bernard, David of Himmerod, Abbot Vitus Recke, Stephan Reimund Senge
- First Foundation In 1135
- Completion of the First Romanesque Church In 1178
- Founding of Heisterbach Abbey In 1189
- Secularisation In 1802
- Second Foundation In 1922
- Mutual Aid Firefighting Agreement With Spangdahlem Air Base In the 1950s
- Himmerod Memorandum Conference In 1950
- Dissolution In 2017
About Himmerod Abbey
Himmerod Abbey, known in German as Kloster Himmerod, is a former Cistercian monastery situated in the scenic Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, nestled in the valley of the Salm near Großlittgen. Its history is marked by a significant first foundation in 1135, initiated by Saint Bernard himself and established as a direct foundation of Clairvaux Abbey. The initial monastic complex featured a Romanesque church completed in 1178, and the abbey even established its own daughter house, Heisterbach Abbey, in 1189. The abbey's fortunes fluctuated, with a Baroque church built in 1751 but later falling into ruin after secularization in 1802.
Re-establishment and Historical Significance
The monastery experienced a revival with its second foundation in 1922, when German Cistercian monks from the former Mariastern monastery in Bosnia settled there. This period saw the re-building of the church, completed in 1962, and the installation of a renowned Klais organ. Himmerod Abbey also played a role in significant historical events, most notably hosting the conference in 1950 that produced the "Himmerod memorandum." This document, prepared on behalf of the West German government, outlined the prerequisites for the re-armament of Germany and was a crucial step towards the establishment of the Bundeswehr.
Dissolution and Present Day
Despite its rich history and a period of renewed activity that included founding a new abbey in Brazil and operating a publishing house, Himmerod Abbey was dissolved in October 2017. Financial constraints and a diminishing monastic population led to the community's dispersal, with the remaining monks relocating to other abbeys. The property has since been transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier, which now manages it as a spiritual center. Today, parts of the former abbey, including a museum showcasing enamel art and mill equipment, a café, and a shop, remain open to the public, continuing to preserve its legacy and support its upkeep.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Himmerod Abbey founded?
Himmerod Abbey was first founded in 1135 by Saint Bernard. It was a direct foundation of Clairvaux Abbey. The monastery experienced a second foundation in 1922.
What denomination or order was Himmerod Abbey a part of?
Himmerod Abbey was a Cistercian monastery. It was a direct foundation of Clairvaux Abbey and was a member of the Mehrerau Cistercian Congregation.
What happened to Himmerod Abbey in 2017?
The Cistercian convent of Himmerod Abbey was dissolved in October 2017. This decision was made due to financial constraints and the small number of monks remaining. The remaining monks relocated to other abbeys.
What is the current status of Himmerod Abbey?
Although the Cistercian community was dissolved, the property was conveyed to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier. The diocese continues to manage it as a spiritual center. Parts of the abbey, including a museum, café, and shop, remain open to the public.
Is Himmerod Abbey open to visitors?
Yes, parts of Himmerod Abbey are open to the public. The site features a museum, café, and book and art shop that remain accessible. A hostel is also run by a support association.
What is the Himmerod memorandum?
The Himmerod memorandum was a document produced in 1950 at Himmerod Abbey. Officers of the former Wehrmacht met there to prepare for the re-armament of Germany, outlining prerequisites and Germany's potential contribution to western European defense.
Related Monasteries
Altzella Abbey
Altzella Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery founded in 1162 near Nossen, Saxony, Germany. It served as the primary burial place for the Wettin margraves of Meissen from 1190 to 1381, housing their tombs within its church and the later Andreaskapelle. Though secularized in 1540 and largely demolished, its remaining structures and surrounding park now serve as a cultural site, featuring ruins, restored buildings, and gardens.
Buch Abbey
Buch Abbey, also known as Kloster Buch, is a former Cistercian monastery situated near Leisnig in Saxony, Germany. Founded in the late 12th century, it grew to possess significant landholdings and outposts before its dissolution during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Today, the preserved structures serve as a historico-cultural center, hosting exhibitions, markets, and festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Doberan Abbey
Doberan Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery founded in Mecklenburg, Germany, established in 1171. Despite early destruction and multiple damages throughout its history, including during the Thirty Years' War and French occupation, its Brick Gothic church, known as Doberan Minster, remains a significant architectural landmark. The abbey was a vital political, social, and spiritual center and served as the burial site for the Princes of Mecklenburg until its secularization in 1552.