Buch Abbey

Leisnig, Germany

Buch Abbey was first mentioned in a document of Emperor Heinrich IV who bestowed to it the parish of Leisnig According to Cistercian tradition, abbot Hildebert, twelve monks and twelve lay brothers left Sittichenbach Abbey in 1 August 1192 and reached Buch on 17 August 1192. The foundation of the new abbey was initiated by Burgrave Heinrich III of Leisnig, who resided in nearby Mildenstein Castle. The Burgraves of Leisnig gifted the monastery with many villages. In 1309 the monastery acquired the town of Belgern, where it established an ecclesiastical manor, together with its ferry across the river Elbe.

After abbot Antonius Dytz died on 20 December 1525, the monastery was dissolved in the course of the Protestant Reformation which had already prevailed in nearby Leisnig. The village of Klosterbuch grew from buildings surrounding the secularised monastery. In 1965 it was incorporated into Leisnig.

The Zeschau family had the abbot's house rebuilt and, probably around 1600, the manorial chapel built from the ruins of the choir of the abbey's church. During the Thirty Years' War the estate suffered much damage and had to be auctioned off. It was bought by Fürstenschule Grimma who had the manor chapel renovated and consecrated anew in 1678 by the church superintendent of Leisnig, and remained in possession of the estate until 1836, when it became property of the Saxon state.

Restoration works started in 1992, directed by the town of Leisnig and its local history club. Floods in 2002 caused severe damage which was completely repaired until 2008. Today the former abbey is used as a venue for exhibitions, guided tours and other events, among them a monthly farmer's market and the yearly monastery and harvest festival in September.

Of the medieval buildings, the eastern parts of the church, the chapter house, the infirmarium, the abbot's residence and several auxiliarybuildings have survived.

The church was a pillared basilica with a nave and two aisles and a transept. An outer wall of an aisle, the choir and three sidechapels are still extant. Using medieval parts (pillars, windows, and vaults), a smaller evangelical church was built in the choir to serve the manor with an altar on its western side.

The two-storied abbot's residence was built around 1400 as evidenced by dendrochronological studies of the roof timbers. Its outward appearance is determined by alterations performed in the 16th and 17th century, while the portal with its pointed arch dates back into the Middle Ages.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1192
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Frank Nicolaus (7 months ago)
It was our first time at the farmers' market, it was very well positioned with a wide variety of stalls and our physical well-being was also well taken care of. The diverse range of ornamental herbs and useful plants was astonishing, especially "exotic" herbs such as cheeseweed, which I have never seen before. There are also a few shady places to sit and relax. Unfortunately, in addition to the entrance fee [€8.00], there is also a parking fee for cars and a fee for using the toilet of €0.50.? But using the ambience of the old monastery walls for a farmers' market was successful. Unfortunately we couldn't see the Border Collie Show anymore.
Angela (7 months ago)
We went to the market in Kloster Buch for the first time on Saturday. It was very interesting, many traders were on site and the physical well-being was taken care of. The area is also very beautiful. There are enough parking spaces. The market is well attended but not overcrowded. There are many regional suppliers of sausage, cheese, fish, fruit and vegetables, plants, honey, soap, brushes, baskets, felt slippers, alpaca products and much more. You can't list everything. Right behind the monastery, a large, well-kept meadow with a view of the Mulde invites you to linger. Seating is also available there. We will go there again.
Nicole Lorenz (8 months ago)
Art and craft market in the Buch monastery. A very nice and informative destination. A cheap entrance fee of €3 per person, parking is free. You can freely explore all buildings and the entire grounds. At events like this, stands invite you to stroll, browse and snack.
Tobi Sachse (2 years ago)
Every second weekend of the month is a huge farmers market there. Many things to eat, pharmacy things and other useful tools for your household can you find. It is worth to visit this market.
Uwe Thilemann (3 years ago)
Hats off for the work that has already been done, the Reformation hit our monasteries hard! The remainder of the remainder of the view ... and ... making it understandable is hard work and a lot has already been done here! There is also a lively one today with events and markets! A lot of strength and keep it up!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Manarola

Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.

Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo, dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name 'Manarola' is probably a dialectical evolution of the Latin, 'magna rota'. In the Manarolese dialect this was changed to 'magna roea' which means 'large wheel', in reference to the mill wheel in the town.

Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region.