Monastery Hirsau

Hirsau – Health resort with a famous monastery

In unspoilt nature, in one of the most appealing spots in the Nagold valley you can take a deep breath and relax. The health resort in the midst of the Northern Black Forest invites you to unwind. To revive body and soul just next door to the Hesse town of Calw.
Tip: Monastery atmosphere and historical heritage all in one!

An encounter with the Hirsau monastery culture

The basilica, which was consecrated in the 11th century, was one of the largest Romanesque churches in Germany. The original monastery buildings and the cloister were replaced by buildings in Gothic style. Even today, the former monastery complex of St. Peter and Paul and the lovingly restored Aurelius Church are known far beyond the region of Calw.

Monastery Museum

The museum building, which was added to the north side of Aurelius Church in the Romanesque period is an important testimony of monastery history. Interesting facts about how monks lived in a Benedictine monastery and about the history of the resort Hirsau: numerous texts, images ans archaeological finds provide insight into the Hirsau monastic culture, which dates back more than 1,100 years.

Hirsau herb garden

A herb garden with native medicinal herbs has been created along the lines of a medieval herb garden in the place where the cloister of the Aurelius Church used to be. In 37 herb beds you can admire around 50 different types of plants.

Tours of the Monastery

Get to know Hirsau Monastery! This is where history comes alive. In the guided tour, the impressive 11th century stone witnesses of the history of the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul are explained in detail by an expert.
The public tour includes free entrance to the Monastery Museum.
• Tours of the Monastery
Sat. 02:30 p.m., Sun. & public holidays 11:00 a.m. (in german)
Meeting point: main entrance of Hirsau Monastery

The Monastery in a different light

In July/August the historic walls of Hirsau Monastery are transformed into an atmospheric open-air setting. Whether rock or pop and from jazz to comedy, there are no bounds to the events offered during the Calw Monastery Summer.
Special: Pure emotion: during the "Monastery in Flames " show, an impressive interplay of light and shadow transforms the monastery ruins into a breath-taking backdrop.

Tip:

Directly opposite the monastery complex of St. Peter and Paul there is a three-and-a-half hectare red-deer enclosure with up to 12 animals and three or four offspring each year. You can learn more about the deer family from the information panels at the feeding station.

Further Information:

Guided Tours

Monastery Museum Hirsau

Monastery Summer Festival

Summer Open-air-Cinema