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Writer's pictureMaximus Nostramabus

Lorsch

Updated: Apr 22, 2022

A small hill with an 9th century CE abbey - Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch 515

Lorsch abbey
What and Why

The small town of Lorsch is known of its Benedictine abbey which dates back to 764 CE, which was the most important cultural and intellectual centres in Europe during the Carolingian Empire (Latin: Romanorum sive Francorum imperium) era, with some of the most important biblical manuscripts produced in the abbey (German: Kloster). The abbey reached its peak of prominence during the 8th - 12th century CE, and was once the largest abbey in Europe, until the monastery was sold off. The area was badly destroyed by the Spanish Army in the 17th century CE, but the abbey survived.

The plaque
Toponymy

Lorsch derives from an old name of Laurisham, which derives from laurus in Latin, meaning laurel.

See
Lorsch abbey site map (from internet)

Abbey (Kloster Altenmünster)

Only very small fragments of the original Abbey (Kloster Altenmünster) have survived. The only significant remnant, which is extremely well preserved, is the gatehouse (Torhalle), as above, and is one of the most important pre-RomanesqueCarolingian style buildings in Germany. The lower section is made up of three arches, modelled after Roman triumphant arcs. The inner facade are lined with red and white mosaics reflect strong French influence from the Carolingian times.

Many miracles were said to have been performed in Lorsch, and thus the place attracted pilgrims in large numbers. In the course of the 9th century the library and scriptorium of Lorsch made it one of the cultural centres of Germany: the most famous of all manuscript the library still holds is the famous Lorsch gospels, or the Codex Aureus of Lorsch (Latin: Codex Aureus Laurensius), written probably during the 9th century CE, with the cover of the book made of ivory panels.

Townhouse (Rathaus)

Almost every German cities have a distinctive townhouse (Rathaus) where civic gatherings and municipal official matters are conducted and Lorsch, in spite of its size, is no exception. The townhouse and the iron fountain in front is quite a photospot. Lorsch is not a very interesting town.

Lorsch Rathaus
Getting There and Around

This is the beginning of our two-week road-trip around central Europe, so we rented a car. Otherwise it is a very easy walk from the town and train station of Lorsch. The entire site can be finished in a mere 15 minutes unless you are an architecture historian.

UNESCO Inscription
UNESCO sign
The abbey, together with its monumental entrance, the famous 'Torhall', are rare architectural vestiges of the Carolingian era. The sculptures and paintings from this period are still in remarkably good condition.
References
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