Page 364 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

362  WESTERN GERM AN Y RHINELAND-P ALA TINA TE AND SAARLAND  363

0 Maria Laach Mosaics VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
The interior is decorated with
A true masterpiece of German and European paintings and mosaics created Practical Information
over centuries by artists of the
Romanesque architecture, the Maria Laach Abbey Beuronese School. In the main Road map B5. Tel (02652) 590.
stands next to the Laacher See, a lake formed in the eastern apse is a mosaic of Christ Open Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm Tue–
Sat, 1–5pm Sun & Mon; Nov–Mar:
crater of an extinct volcano. Its construction started in the Ruler dating from 1911. 10:30am–noon Mon–Sat, 1–7pm
1093 at the behest of Heinrich II, who also lies buried Sun. 0 - =
here. Building continued from 1093 until 1220. Until Transport
secular ization in 1802, the Abbey was the home of @ from Niedermendig.
the Benedictines. Since 1892 the church has once £ from Andernach.
again been resounding with Gregorian chants, which
are sung here several times a day.

. Tomb of Heinrich II
The tomb of the Count View from the West
Palatine Heinrich II, who died The monumental western façade of the
in 1095, dates from about abbey consists of a semicircular apse, a
1280. His effigy has been massive, square 43-m (141-ft) tall central
reproduced in a magnificent tower, and two slim 35-m (115-ft) tall
walnut wood block, which flanking towers.
to this day has kept its
original colours.

Stained-glass Windows
Three vast stained-glass windows
in the main eastern apse were
made by a contemporary artist,
W Rupprecht, in 1956.

Löwenbrunnen
The lion fountain, which adorns the atrium, was
made in 1928. It was modelled on the famous
Alhambra fountain in Granada, Spain.

. High Altar
Among the most precious works
preserved in the church is the late-
Romanesque canopy of 1220–50,
rising above the high altar.

Detail from a
Column Capital . Crypt
The western entrance The vaults of the KEY
is surrounded by columns exquisite early-
with interesting capitals. Romanesque crypt 1 The “Paradise”, the courtyard,
Carved figures can be are supported by is meant to symbolize the Garden
seen, including that of a austere square of Eden.
devil recording the sins of capitals. This is also 2 The church towers have
each entrant and others Church entrance the resting-place of arcaded galleries, typical of
which are pulling each Gilbert, the first abbot Romanesque style.
other’s hair out. Main entrance at Maria Laach.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p499 and pp524–5

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.5)
Date 6th February2013
Size 125mm x 217mm