Wechterswinkel Abbey

Wechterswinkel Abbey was established around 1135 as a Cistercian nunnery, one of the first of its kind in Germany. The nunnery enjoyed a fruitful life over the next few centuries, but was eventually dissolved in 1592 after suffering irreparable damage as a result of the various wars and upheavals that plagued Germany during the 16th Century. A part of the Romanesque church still stands, and is often used as a venue for concerts, besides fulfilling the religious duties of a parish church. The few remaining monastic buildings have been greatly altered over the years. Today, Wechterswinkel Abbey is a cultural hub where art exhibitions, concerts, theater productions and poetry readings are hosted alongside banquets, wedding receptions and other private events. A museum-quality exhibition chronicles the history of the abbey, while the art gallery features contemporary artwork. In its new avatar as Bastheim's arts and cultural center, Wechterswinkel Abbey continues to thrive.