Michaelsabbey

The origins of Michaelskloster lie on an ancient cult site, already used by the Celts. Archaeological findings confirm a Roman place of worship for “Mercurius Cimbrianus” beneath the later basilica. In the 7th century, the site was used for Christian purposes before Abbot Thiotroch of Lorsch Monastery expanded the church in the 9th century. A refoundation of St. Michael's Monastery and the Michaelsbasilika took place in 1023 by Abbot Reginbald, reusing Carolingian building components. The burial of Abbot Friedrich von Hirsau in 1070 transformed the monastery into a pilgrimage site. In 1094, the nearby Stephanskloster was founded from here, financed by legacies from crusaders. The Benedictine period ended in 1226 with the takeover by the Archbishop of Mainz.