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The power of the word -
Monasticism in Europe
Sheltering over 900 years of history, St Paul's Benedictine Abbey is the setting for an exhibition which traces the footsteps of Europe's monks. It is amazing that a large amount of what we have come to associate with the term Europe has its roots in abbeys and monasteries.
A range of fantastic books reflect the struggle for knowledge, and indeed the power which was inextricably linked with it. For the first time, the abbey is opening its archives and unveiling the most valuable documents from European history: prohibited books which had whole generations of monks in suspense, in addition to works which have undoubtedly shaped history.
Facts previously covered in century-old dust have been uncovered, ready to re-tell fascinating stories of bygone times. Treasure from all over Europe has been brought to St Paul’s to lead visitors on a journey back to the times in which Europe was only alive in the heads of a few ingenious minds.
An idea which slowly gained weight – and in the development of which the Benedictine monks played a decisive role. A series of impressive inventions and discoveries paved the way towards a golden age, showered with riches and influence.
Monasteries as centers of art
At the same time, appreciation for beauty experienced a new revival. Monasteries commissioned gifted artists to erect grand monuments and other creations. In addition to numerous precious examples of book art, prestigious gold and
silverwork can be viewed, alongside a range of paintings by renowned European artists and astronomical equipment, which led to many significant developments concerning how the world was seen.
Inquisitive visitors stand before a new world - secretive, mystical, exciting.
Listen, succumb to the silence which embraces St Paul's, and you will begin to discover the connections, the time arc to our contemporary existence.
The awe-inspiring cellar world, complete with library, scriptorium and sala terrena, beckons the visitor to feel history firsthand. The gardens are abound with a unique blend of vivacity and monastic contemplation from yesteryear. The breath-taking world of crystals becomes a spirited extravaganza in the Kristalldom, which is guaranteed to take your breath away. The Abbey Experience awaits!
The abbey’s precious book collection reflects a veritable fountain of literary treasures, which is complemented by a range of other prestigious titles on loan from establishments across Europe.
Highlights
Some highlights are the oldest manuscript outside the Vatican, dating back to the 4th century, fascinating Minnesang manuscripts, and the world’s oldest printed book, achieved by Johannes Gutenberg. The first written evidence of Charlemagne, a written law from the 9th century, has become one of the most prominent documents in the history of European law. The Merseburg Incantations and Aristotle's Theory of Laughter were ordered onto the list of forbidden books, thus joining the world of secrecy and silence. Another highlight of the exhibition is an Irish poem, which is the oldest example of the Gaelic language.
In addition to these book treasures, a range of significant European gold and silversmith works can be contemplated. These are presented alongside an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures created by prestigious European artists.
A range of fantastic books reflect the struggle for knowledge, and indeed the power which was inextricably linked with it. For the first time, the abbey is opening its archives and unveiling the most valuable documents from European history: prohibited books which had whole generations of monks in suspense, in addition to works which have undoubtedly shaped history.
Facts previously covered in century-old dust have been uncovered, ready to re-tell fascinating stories of bygone times. Treasure from all over Europe has been brought to St Paul’s to lead visitors on a journey back to the times in which Europe was only alive in the heads of a few ingenious minds.
An idea which slowly gained weight – and in the development of which the Benedictine monks played a decisive role. A series of impressive inventions and discoveries paved the way towards a golden age, showered with riches and influence.
Monasteries as centers of art
At the same time, appreciation for beauty experienced a new revival. Monasteries commissioned gifted artists to erect grand monuments and other creations. In addition to numerous precious examples of book art, prestigious gold and
silverwork can be viewed, alongside a range of paintings by renowned European artists and astronomical equipment, which led to many significant developments concerning how the world was seen.
Inquisitive visitors stand before a new world - secretive, mystical, exciting.
Listen, succumb to the silence which embraces St Paul's, and you will begin to discover the connections, the time arc to our contemporary existence.
The awe-inspiring cellar world, complete with library, scriptorium and sala terrena, beckons the visitor to feel history firsthand. The gardens are abound with a unique blend of vivacity and monastic contemplation from yesteryear. The breath-taking world of crystals becomes a spirited extravaganza in the Kristalldom, which is guaranteed to take your breath away. The Abbey Experience awaits!
The abbey’s precious book collection reflects a veritable fountain of literary treasures, which is complemented by a range of other prestigious titles on loan from establishments across Europe.
Highlights
Some highlights are the oldest manuscript outside the Vatican, dating back to the 4th century, fascinating Minnesang manuscripts, and the world’s oldest printed book, achieved by Johannes Gutenberg. The first written evidence of Charlemagne, a written law from the 9th century, has become one of the most prominent documents in the history of European law. The Merseburg Incantations and Aristotle's Theory of Laughter were ordered onto the list of forbidden books, thus joining the world of secrecy and silence. Another highlight of the exhibition is an Irish poem, which is the oldest example of the Gaelic language.
In addition to these book treasures, a range of significant European gold and silversmith works can be contemplated. These are presented alongside an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures created by prestigious European artists.
