The former Klosteranlage Peter und Paul
In 1091, the three-nave, exceptionally long church was consecrated. The basilica is one of the largest Romanesque churches of the 11th century in Germany. Further construction work on the Romanesque monastery buildings was mostly completed in 1092.
The stylistic elements of the Hirsau abbey buildings often became a model for other abbey buildings. In this context one speaks of the Hirsau Bauschule, today better known as the Hirsau Form Treasure. Special features include the enlarged side aisles, the relay choir, the Chorus Minor, the absence of a crypt and gallery, simple cube capitals and double shields, chessboard towers and the famous Hirsauer noses, which appear on the column capitals at the interface of shields and deck plates. can be found. The Hirsau style elements, which at first only found their way into the reform monasteries, later became part of the general style canon of Romanesque architecture.
The first heyday of St. Peter and Paul lasted until about 1250. Then followed a period of decline. In the middle of the 15th century, the Hirsau people joined a reform movement, the Bursfeld Reform, which gave the monastery a second heyday and the means to build new buildings. With the exception of the church, the Romanesque buildings were demolished around 1480 and replaced by new, high Gothic buildings, including the convent buildings and the cloister. Others were completely rebuilt, such as the Chapel of Mary in 1508. During the War of the Palatinate Succession in 1692, French troops set fire to the buildings of the former monastery.
Lots of music and long summer nights
Not only its past history makes Hirsau Monastery one of the highlights in Calw. The well-known Calwer Klostersommer delights with a wide range of artists. Whether pop or classical, the impressive backdrop makes every concert a very special experience. Enjoy acoustic delicacies under the starry sky and celebrate together in the summer. And for all film fans, during the summer cinema, the historic grounds become an outdoor cinema during the warm months, showing well-known and popular cinema films.
The monastery is open to the public!
Numerous information boards invite you to explore the monastery and its interesting history.
Further information can be found here.
Tips:
Visit the Klostermuseum Hirsau! Here you will get insights into the monastic culture of Hirsau dating back more than 1100 years, the life of the monks and the local and social history of the spa town of Hirsau in the 19th and 20th century. Or take part in a monastery tour!
