Raitenhaslach
Well worthwhile is a visit to the more than 800-year-old monastery Raitenhaslach Monastery. Built on a Romanesque base, the grandiose baroque room with its rococo decor makes an overwhelming impression: "Raitenhaslach is the most serene of Bavarian baroque churches, but is one of the most exquisite and endearing with its many treasures."
In 1146, the Cistercians moved to "Ratinhaselach", the first documentary mention of which was in 788, and began building the monastery right away. In the mid-13th Century, the cathedral burned down, although the main walls of the church remained standing.
It was later rebuilt. In 1585, Abbot Stossberger erected the clock tower, installed beautifully carved choir stalls, refurbished some of the altars, laid marble paving and put in an organ as well. More rebuilding was done in 1700, without compromising the uniqueness of the Cistercian church. The most extensive restorations started in 1735 under Abbot Robert Pendtner. The baroque interior of the monastery can be appreciated today.
In 1803, the Cistercian Monastery, in the course of secularisation, was seized by the Bavarian government, and the chapels and part of the monastery building torn down (including the valuable library). What remained was a marvellous baroque room with splendid rococo furnishings. The 131 heraldic figures over the altars represent members of nobility buried there, among them Queen Hedwig from Poland.
In 1982, the five-year long total restoration of the monastery begins, and it is now more beautiful than ever in its new splendour.
