Munich itself is already a diverse city where you won’t get bored easily. Nevertheless, sometimes you need a change of scenery, which a day trip can provide. Scheyern Abbey in the Hallertau region promises plenty of variety and is equally exciting for history and architecture enthusiasts alike. It is situated in a picturesque location in the world’s largest hop-growing region, so beer lovers are sure to find something to enjoy as well.
The Wittelsbach family burial site
As early as 1077, a monastic cell was established in Bayrischzell by Countess Hazgia, who later moved into the former Scheyern Castle. This had previously been inhabited by Otto V of Scheyern of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who turned it into the family monastery of the dynasty. Several members of the Wittelsbach family found their final resting place here, including Ludwig of Kelheim and Agnes of Hanover. After moving into the castle, the improved conditions finally allowed a brewery to be established to generate income . Even today, beer is brewed within these walls, using only water from the monastery’s own well.
After secularization in the early 19th century, Ludwig I converted the Scheyern monastery back into a provostry. Consequently , the collegiate church of the Holy Cross and the Assumption underwent a re-Romanization, giving it its current appearance. It had only been redesigned in the Rococo style at the end of the 18th century. Some of the frescoes and stucco decorations created at that time had to be removed again. Nevertheless, you can still view numerous frescoes and admire the stucco decorations inside.
The Holy Cross in Scheyern Monastery
Scheyern Abbey has preserved a splinter of the Holy Cross since the 12th century. This is the actual cross on which Christ died. The splinter is set in gemstones in the shape of a double cross and gilded. The relic measures 18.5 cm in height and up to 8.1 cm in length. You can view it during a guided tour of the monastery in the Holy Cross Chapel. The veneration of the Holy Cross is also the subject of one of the ceiling frescoes in the Basilica Minor.
During your guided tour of the abbey, however, you’ll discover much more than just the cross relic; you’ll also learn more about its history and architecture. It costs just €5 per person, and you can participate as an individual or as a group. You can also stop by the beer garden and sample the monastery beer. Afterward, you can shop for various specialties and souvenirs in the stores to remind you of your trip. You can also perfectly combine your visit to Scheyern Abbey with a hike through the Hallertau region or a stay in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
