Tracing the Cistercians
The nearly thousand-year history of the Cistercians traces back to Robert de Molesme, who founded a new monastery in Cîteaux, France, in an effort to return to the strict rules of Saint Benedict: pray for the world and live by the work of your own hands. From this arose the then-new Cistercian order, which quickly spread from its origins in Burgundy throughout Europe, eventually encompassing over 750 abbeys and 1,000 monasteries, home to both monks and nuns.
The Cistercians played a key role in shaping and cultivating the natural and cultural landscapes along the Upper Rhine. These "white monks" established the first large, contiguous landholdings in remote natural areas. They settled in secluded valleys, usually near streams, far from civilization as it was known at the time. Many medieval practices in agriculture, land cultivation, and fish farming are rooted in the work and ideas of the Cistercians. Their expertise in viticulture, farming, sheep and cattle breeding, forestry, trade, as well as book arts, music, and culture spread systematically and continues to shape Europe to this day. The Cistercians followed the principle of sustainable management, with self-sufficiency forming the basis of their independent way of life.
The Cistercians in Baden, Alsace, and the Palatinate
The history and influence of the Cistercians can still be seen throughout the Franco-German Upper Rhine region. Maulbronn Monastery is considered the best-preserved medieval monastery north of the Alps and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like Herrenalb Monastery, it is a daughter monastery of the Alsatian Cistercian monastery Neubourg. Neubourg Monastery, located near Haguenau in Alsace, traces its origins back to Morimond Abbey in the Grand Est region of France, one of the primary abbeys of the Cistercian movement. The Cistercian monastery of Eußerthal in the Palatinate also has its roots in Morimond Abbey.
Neubourg Monastery
Dauendorf-Neubourg, Alsace
The Abbey of Notre Dame de Neubourg is located near Haguenau in Alsace. The monastery grounds are now privately owned, and only remnants of the abbey remain, including the main entrance with its portal and the walls that once enclosed the monastery grounds, within which stables can still be found. The remains of the Cistercian abbey have been under historical protection since 1990.
Neubourg Abbey was founded in 1133 on the edge of the Haguenau Forest by Count Renaud of Lutzelburg. Monks from the renowned Lucelle Abbey in the Haut-Rhin department built the monastery. From the Middle Ages until the French Revolution, the abbey held significant importance in northern Alsace. By the 18th century, around 50 monks lived on the grounds. After suffering destruction in various periods, the monastery was restored under Abbot Jacques Gacier d'Auvilliers, who led it from 1715 to 1759.
Eußerthal Monastery Church
Eußerthal, Palatinate
Near Annweiler am Trifels, in Eußerthal, lies one of the most significant and oldest Cistercian monasteries of the Palatinate. It was a daughter monastery of the Abbey of Villers-Bettnach in Lorraine. Today, only the Church of St. Bernhart remains, which was once part of the former monastery church.
Founded in 1148, the monastery played an important role in the region. From 1186 onward, Eußerthal monks served as chaplains at Trifels Castle and conducted mass in the town church of Annweiler am Trifels. The Catholic Church of St. Bernhart is the last remaining part of a mighty three-naved basilica, consecrated in 1262. A monastery trail around the church provides insights into the monks' medieval life and work, as well as the former extent of the monastery. Additionally, the "Monks' Path" hiking trail begins here, leading to the nearby Trifels Castle.
Maulbronn Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Maulbronn, Baden
Maulbronn Monastery was founded in 1147 by Cistercian monks and is a daughter monastery of Neubourg Monastery near Haguenau in Alsace.
Maulbronn is the best-preserved medieval monastery complex north of the Alps. It showcases the Cistercians' architectural mastery and features styles ranging from Romanesque to late Gothic. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it can be visited through guided tours. Highlights include the Romanesque monastery church, the Gothic cloister, the "Paradies" (a two-story chapter house), the refectory (monks' dining hall), and the fountain house.
Herrenalb Monastery Church
Bad Herrenalb, Baden
Cistercian monks from Neubourg Monastery in Alsace founded a daughter monastery in Bad Herrenalb in the 12th century. Today, the former monastery church is preserved and open for visitors.
Herrenalb was founded in 1149 by Berthold III of Eberstein as the "Alba Dominorum" monastery, serving as a house monastery with a burial site, which was handed over to the Cistercians. By the late 13th century, the monastery had evolved into a small economic and cultural center. Over time, settlements around the monastery grew into the present-day town of Herrenalb.
From April to September, regular guided tours of the monastery grounds take place. Additionally, a monastery trail connects Herrenalb with Frauenalb, another historic Cistercian foundation from the Staufer period, covering five kilometers and providing historical and regional insights into medieval monastery life in Baden-Württemberg.
Lichtenthal Monastery
Baden-Baden, Baden
Lichtenthal Monastery is located in the Baden-Baden district of the same name. The monastery courtyard and church are freely accessible during the day.
The monastery was founded in 1245 by Margravine Irmengard of Baden as the burial site for the Margraves of Baden. For 775 years, Cistercian nuns have lived, prayed, and worked here, following the spiritual traditions of Saint Benedict. The monastery complex is situated along the Oosbach River, below the Leisberg.
In addition to the monastery church and the nuns' buildings, the site features a monastery shop, a museum, a café, and a guesthouse. Calligraphy courses, concerts in the church, and spiritual events are also offered. The princely chapel and museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Heilsbruck Monastery
Edenkoben, Palatinate
Located on the outskirts of Edenkoben along the Southern Wine Route, Heilsbruck Monastery was a daughter monastery of Königsbrück Monastery near Haguenau in Alsace. Today, the former Cistercian nunnery is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
Although the original monastery walls are only partially preserved, the surrounding vineyards (known as "Klostergarten Heilsbruck") are among the oldest and most exclusive single vineyard locations in the region. The oldest part of the monastery includes the current wine cellars, which were originally built on a cross-shaped underground structure. This cellar system was used for winemaking as early as the 13th century by the Cistercian nuns. Additionally, a baptismal font from the 16th century has been preserved.
