Weingarten Abbey: Difference between revisions

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It acquired territory of 306 km², stretching from the [[Allgäu]] to the [[Bodensee]] and including many forests and vineyards, and was one of the richest monasteries in southern Germany.
It acquired territory of 306 km², stretching from the [[Allgäu]] to the [[Bodensee]] and including many forests and vineyards, and was one of the richest monasteries in southern Germany.


From 1715, the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] abbey church, constructed between 1124 and 1182, was largely demolished, and replaced between 1715–1724 by a large and richly decorated [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] church, which since 1956 has been a [[Papacy|papal]] [[List of basilicas|basilica minor]]. This church was intended to stand within a monastic site built to the ideal layout, but this undertaking was only partially completed.
From 1715, the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] abbey church, constructed between 1124 and 1182, was largely demolished, and replaced between 1715–1724 by a large and richly decorated [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] church, which since 1956 has been a [[Papacy|papal]] [[List of basilicas|basilica minor]]. This church was intended to stand within a monastic site built to the ideal layout, but this undertaking was only partially completed as the north wing would have blocked the ''[[via regia]]'' or imperial road. Following the order on April 27, 1728 to stop construction on the north wing, the southern wing was extended and the east wing was completed.


In [[1803]], during [[Reichsdeputationshauptschluss|secularisation]], the abbey was dissolved. At first, it became part of the possessions of the House of [[Orange-Nassau]], and then in 1806 part of the Kingdom of [[Württemberg]]. The buildings were used inter alia as a factory and as a barracks.
In [[1803]], during [[Reichsdeputationshauptschluss|secularisation]], the abbey was dissolved. At first, it became part of the possessions of the House of [[Orange-Nassau]], and then in 1806 part of the Kingdom of [[Württemberg]]. The buildings were used inter alia as a factory and as a barracks.
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==Buildings==
==Buildings==
[[Image:Basilika-Weingarten568.JPG|thumb|left|[[Cupola]] of the [[Basilica]] of St. Martin]]
[[Image:Weingarten Basilika Gabler-Orgel von Empore.jpg|thumb|left|Organ of St. Martin's [[Basilica]]]]
The abbey and church are a major attraction on the tourist route known as the ''Oberschwäbische Barockstrasse'' ([[Upper Swabian Baroque Route]]).
The abbey and the St. Martin's [[Basilica]] are a major attraction on the tourist route known as the ''Oberschwäbische Barockstrasse'' ([[Upper Swabian Baroque Route]]).

The current church was built between 1715 and 1724 in the Italian-German Baroque style according to plans by Franz Beer. The church is the second largest church in Germany<ref name="Cathency">{{CathEncy
| url = http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/Weingarten
| title = Weingarten
| author = Michael Ott
| accessdate = 2008-08-25
}}</ref>, and is the largest Baroque church in Germany. The 102 meter long church is known as the "[[Swabia]]n [[St. Peter's Basilica|St. Peter's]]" since this church is almost exactly one-half the size of St. Peter's Basilica in [[Vatican City|Rome]]<ref name="Weingarten">[http://www.weingarten-online.de/servlet/PB/menu/1117537_l1/index.html City of Weingarten Website]] {{de_icon}} accessed [[August 25]], [[2008]]</ref>.

Within the church is the famous ''Gabler Organ'', a church [[Organ (Music)|organ]] that was built between 1735 and 1750 by Joseph Gabler. The organ has over 60 [[Organ stop|registers]], 169 ranks, 63 voices<ref name="organseite">[http://www.die-orgelseite.de/orgelliste120_e.htm#liste The Worlds Largest Organs] accessed [[August 25]], [[2008]]</ref> and over 6600 [[Organ pipe|pipes]]<ref name="Weingarten"/>. It is considered the 44<sup>th</sup> largest organ in the world<ref name="organseite"/>.


A wing of the abbey precincts accommodates the present monastery. Other parts of the former abbey house the ''Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten'' and the Academy of the [[Bishop of Rottenburg-Stuttgart|Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart]].
A wing of the abbey precincts accommodates the present monastery. Other parts of the former abbey house the ''Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten'' and the Academy of the [[Bishop of Rottenburg-Stuttgart|Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart]].
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*[[Weingartner Liederhandschrift]]-->
*[[Weingartner Liederhandschrift]]-->
<!--[[Image:Friedrich-barbarossa-und-soehne-welfenchronik_1-1000x1540.jpg|100px|thumb|Friedrich Barbarossa and his sons: miniature from the Welfenchronik]]-->
<!--[[Image:Friedrich-barbarossa-und-soehne-welfenchronik_1-1000x1540.jpg|100px|thumb|Friedrich Barbarossa and his sons: miniature from the Welfenchronik]]-->
==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links ==
==External links ==

Revision as of 23:49, 25 August 2008

Weingarten Abbey
Reichsabtei Weingarten
1274–1803
Coat of arms of Weingarten of Weingarten
Coat of arms of Weingarten
Weingarten Abbey, 1525
Weingarten Abbey, 1525
StatusImperial Abbey of the Holy Roman Empire
CapitalWeingarten
GovernmentTheocracy
Historical eraMiddle Ages
• Founded
1056 1274
 
1268
• Gained Reichsfreiheit
1274
• Joined Council of Princes
1793
• Secularised to
    Orange-Nassau
 
1803 1803
• Annexed by Württemberg
1806
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Duchy of Bavaria (Este) Duchy of Bavaria
Orange-Nassau Orange-Nassau
Ideal plan of Weingarten Abbey, 1723
Weingarten, showing the abbey buildings on the Martinsberg, 1917

Weingarten Abbey or St. Martin's Abbey (German: Reichsabtei Weingarten) is a Benedictine monastery on the Martinsberg (St. Martin's Mount) in Weingarten near Ravensburg in Baden-Württemberg (Germany).

First foundation

In 1056, Welf I, Duke of Bavaria, founded a Benedictine monastery on the Martinsberg, overlooking the village of Altdorf, an inheritance from his mother. The name Weingarten ("vineyard") is documented from about 1123. (In 1865, the village took the name of the monastery to become the present town of Weingarten). He settled it with monks from Altomünster Abbey. In 1126, Henry IX, Duke of Bavaria, withdrew here after his abdication; he died the same year and was buried in the abbey church.

The monks worked among other things at manuscript illumination. Their most famous work is the Berthold Sacramentary of 1217, now in the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York. Also of especial note is the Welfenchronik, written and illustrated in about 1190, chronicling and glorifying the House of Welf which had its seat at Ravensburg nearby.

The monastery was elevated to the status of a "Reichsabtei" (i.e., independent of all territorial lordship except that of the monarchy) in 1274.

It acquired territory of 306 km², stretching from the Allgäu to the Bodensee and including many forests and vineyards, and was one of the richest monasteries in southern Germany.

From 1715, the Romanesque abbey church, constructed between 1124 and 1182, was largely demolished, and replaced between 1715–1724 by a large and richly decorated Baroque church, which since 1956 has been a papal basilica minor. This church was intended to stand within a monastic site built to the ideal layout, but this undertaking was only partially completed as the north wing would have blocked the via regia or imperial road. Following the order on April 27, 1728 to stop construction on the north wing, the southern wing was extended and the east wing was completed.

In 1803, during secularisation, the abbey was dissolved. At first, it became part of the possessions of the House of Orange-Nassau, and then in 1806 part of the Kingdom of Württemberg. The buildings were used inter alia as a factory and as a barracks.

Second foundation

In 1922, Weingarten was re-founded and re-settled by Benedictines from Beuron Archabbey and from the English Abbey of Erdington (in a suburb of Birmingham) which had itself been settled from Beuron. In 1940, the monks were expelled by the National Socialists, but were able to return after the end of the war.

The monks are responsible for the management of the "Blutritt", or pilgrimage to the Reliquary of the Holy Blood in the abbey church; they also run a guesthouse.

Weingarten belongs to the Beuronese Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation. It is a monastery of two ecclesiastical traditions, or "rites". One part of the monks follow the Roman observance, the other part the Byzantine observance.

Buildings

Organ of St. Martin's Basilica

The abbey and the St. Martin's Basilica are a major attraction on the tourist route known as the Oberschwäbische Barockstrasse (Upper Swabian Baroque Route).

The current church was built between 1715 and 1724 in the Italian-German Baroque style according to plans by Franz Beer. The church is the second largest church in Germany[1], and is the largest Baroque church in Germany. The 102 meter long church is known as the "Swabian St. Peter's" since this church is almost exactly one-half the size of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome[2].

Within the church is the famous Gabler Organ, a church organ that was built between 1735 and 1750 by Joseph Gabler. The organ has over 60 registers, 169 ranks, 63 voices[3] and over 6600 pipes[2]. It is considered the 44th largest organ in the world[3].

A wing of the abbey precincts accommodates the present monastery. Other parts of the former abbey house the Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten and the Academy of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.

Abbots of Weingarten

  • Alto c. 750-ca. 770 (in Altomünster)
  • Marinus
  • Etto c. 780
  • Gelzo 780-792
  • ...
  • Rudolf c. 1000-1025
  • Eberhard c. 1025-c. 1040
  • Heinrich I 1040-c. 1070 (move to Weingarten 1055)
  • Beringer c. 1070-c. 1080
  • Adilhelm of Luxemburg c. 1080-c. 1088
  • Walicho c. 1088-c. 1108
  • Kuno Truchseß of Waldburg-Thann c. 1109-1132
  • Arnold c. 1133-c. 1140
  • Gerhard Truchseß of Waldburg-Thann c. 1141-c. 1149
  • Burkhard c. 1149-c. 1160
  • Dietmar of Matsch c. 1160-c. 1180
  • Marquard of Triberg c. 1180-c. 1181
  • Werner of Markdorff c. 1181-c. 1188
  • Saint Meingoz of Lechsgemünd c. 1188-1200
  • Berthold of Heimburg 1200-1232
  • Hugh de Montfort 1232-1242
  • Konrad I of Wagenbach 1242-1265
  • Hermann of Biechtenweiler 1265-1299
  • Friedrich Heller von Hellerstein 1300-1315
  • Konrad II von Ibach 1315-1336
  • Konrad III von Überlingen 1336-1346
  • Heinrich II von Ibach 1346-1363
  • Ludwig von Ibach-Heldenberg 1363-1393
  • Johann I von Essendorf 1393-1418
  • Johann II Blaarer von Guttingen und Wartensee 1418-1437
  • Erhard von Freybank 1437-1455 (d. 1462)
  • Jobst Penthelin von Ravensburg 1455-1477
  • Kaspar Schieck 1477-1491
  • Hartmann von Knorringen-Burgau 1491-1520
  • Gerwig Blarer von Görsperg 1520-1567
  • Johann III Halblizel 1567-1575
  • Johann Christoph Rastner von Zellersberg 1575-1586 (d. 1590)
  • Georg Wegelin 1586-1627
  • Franz Dietrich 1627-1637
  • Domenicus I Laumann von Liebenau 1637-1673
  • Alfons von Stadelmayer 1673-1683
  • Willibald Kobold 1683-1697
  • Sebastian Hyller 1697-1730
  • Alfons II Jobst 1730-1738
  • Placidus Renz 1738-1745 (d. 1748)
  • Domenicus II Schnitzer 1746-1784
  • Anselm Ritter 1784-1803

New foundation:

  • Ansgar Höckelmann 1922-1934 (or 1943)
  • Konrad Winter 1934 (or 1943)-1953
  • Wilfrid Fenker 1953-1975
  • Dr. Adalbert Metzinger 1975-1982
  • Dr. Lukas Weichenrieder 1982-2004
  • since 2004 Archabbot Theodor Hogg of Beuron has been administrator of Weingarten.

References

  1. ^ Public Domain Michael Ott (1913). "Weingarten". In Herbermann, Charles (ed.). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved 2008-08-25.
  2. ^ a b City of Weingarten Website] Template:De icon accessed August 25, 2008
  3. ^ a b The Worlds Largest Organs accessed August 25, 2008

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Weingarten.


47°48′33″N 9°38′41″E / 47.80917°N 9.64472°E / 47.80917; 9.64472

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