Kloster Biburg: A Bavarian Benedictine Gem

Kloster Biburg, located in the charming village of Biburg, is a former Benedictine monastery with a fascinating history. Founded in 1132 by Konrad and Arbo von Sittling-Biburg, the monastery was initially a double monastery for both monks and nuns. The nunnery, however, was destroyed by fire in 1258 and never rebuilt. Over the centuries, Kloster Biburg has undergone several transformations. In 1555, the monastery was dissolved, and the premises fell into lay hands. The Jesuit College of Ingolstadt acquired the buildings in 1589, followed by the Knights Hospitaller in 1781. In 1808, the monastery was secularized and became the property of the Bavarian State. The abbey church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, remains the most significant part of the complex. It stands as one of Bavaria's most important Romanesque monuments. Although the interior is relatively simple, the Romanesque architecture with Gothic vaults in the nave and transept is impressive. The church also features choir stalls from the early 16th century with fully sculpted heads. Today, visitors can explore the tranquil grounds and admire the stunning architecture of the abbey church. While the monastery buildings have been renovated into apartments and a café, the church continues to serve as a parish church and a reminder of Biburg's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.