MonasteryAurachtal

Münchaurach monastery

Münchaurach monastery

Parish church

The former Benedictine monastery of Münchaurach, a significant architectural monument in Bavaria, is located in the eponymous district of the municipality of Aurachtal in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district. The complex, whose origins date back to the 12th century, is now an active sacred building and bears witness to a turbulent history.

History+

The first documented mention of the monastery, dedicated to Saint Peter, dates back to 1139. It was founded by Count Goswin of Höchstadt and his son, Count Palatine Hermann of Stahleck. During the Peasants' War, the monastery suffered destruction but was restored in 1528. Only four years later, in 1532, it was finally dissolved, and the monastery buildings were completely destroyed. The local saint Hiltegund of Münchaurach is particularly revered. During renovation work in 2012, a Romanesque ornamental floor was discovered. The village of Münchaurach once held market rights, with the town of Neustadt an der Aisch purchasing the Martinimarkt from the monastery in 1480.

Location+

Münchaurach Monastery is situated in the Bavarian region of Middle Franconia, nestled in the landscape of the Erlangen-Höchstadt district. Its geographical elevation is approximately 317 meters above sea level.

On site+

The preserved complex is actively used today by the Evangelical-Lutheran parish of Aurachtal and serves as a parish church. The carefully constructed exterior of ashlar masonry and the interior, designed as a cruciform, flat-ceilinged basilica, are testaments to Romanesque architecture, complemented by Gothic elements such as the choir and the tower. The furnishings are predominantly Neo-Gothic, with the exception of a crucifixion group from the late 16th or early 17th century.

Nearby+
  • Herzogenaurach Castle (Castle, approx. 4336 m away)
  • Weisendorf Castle (Castle, approx. 5387 m away)
  • Neuenbürg Castle (Castle, approx. 7731 m away)
  • New Brunn Castle (Castle, approx. 8202 m away)

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Location: 49.5743, 10.8223