The Einhard Basilica lies in Michelstadt-Steinbach, a small suburb of Michelstadt and only a short distance from the Michelstadt train station.
Completed in 827 by Einhard, Charlemagne’s biographer and court official, the basilica is one of the last and most well-preserved examples of Carolingian architecture to be found anywhere in Germany. The basilica has three aisles with an east-facing main apse. The masonry is in the Roman style and consists mainly of red sandstone, which you will quickly see is common to the area. Below the church is a cross-shaped crypt, which was probably constructed to house the remains of Einhard and his wife, though they were never laid to rest here.
In the basilica, you can find the faint remains of Carolingian and late Gothic wall paintings, as well as, later grave monuments from when the building was used as a monastery and convent. There is also evidence that the basilica may have been built on top of a Roman ruin, as Roman remains, including a sandstone head of the Roman god, Mercury, have been found.
It is obvious that Einhard had high-hopes for Michelstadt and the basilica as he had relics of St. Marcellinus and Peter brought to Michelstadt, presumably to make the area a place of pilgrimage. The time of the relics in the town was short-lived, however, as they were relocated approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) away to Seligenstadt, where Einhard had built another basilica. It was in this basilica in Seligenstadt that Einhard and his wife were buried.
The removal of the relics and Einhard’s decision not to be buried in Michelstadt caused the Einhard Basilica to lose much of its importance, and it was not until almost 250 years after its construction that the monks of Lorsch, who had been given the basilica, created a provostship here. In 1230, the basilica was transformed into a Benedictine monastery, and a short time later it became a convent before becoming a hospital in the 16th century, a function that ceased in about 1622.
For around two hundred years, it appears the church was largely abandoned; however, in the mid-1800’s historians began to turn their attention to the basilica, recognizing the importance it had as an example of Carolingian architecture. Towards the end of the 19th century, restoration and preservation had already begun. The restoration work continued, and in 1967, the state of Hesse bought the basilica, continuing to ensure its conservation until the present day.
Address: Schlossstrasse 17, 64720 Michelstadt-Steinbach, +49 (0) 6061 73 967, info@schloessen.hessen.de
Getting There: The basilica is a ten-minute walk from the Michelstadt train station. On-site parking is available with a short walk to the basilica.
Opening Times:
April 01 - October 31: Tuesday - Sunday
All holidays, including Mondays
Entrance Fees:
Adult Single 3.50 euros
Group/Reduced 2.00 euros
Family Ticket 8.00 euros
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| The Einhard Basilica (Einhardbasilika) |
Completed in 827 by Einhard, Charlemagne’s biographer and court official, the basilica is one of the last and most well-preserved examples of Carolingian architecture to be found anywhere in Germany. The basilica has three aisles with an east-facing main apse. The masonry is in the Roman style and consists mainly of red sandstone, which you will quickly see is common to the area. Below the church is a cross-shaped crypt, which was probably constructed to house the remains of Einhard and his wife, though they were never laid to rest here.
In the basilica, you can find the faint remains of Carolingian and late Gothic wall paintings, as well as, later grave monuments from when the building was used as a monastery and convent. There is also evidence that the basilica may have been built on top of a Roman ruin, as Roman remains, including a sandstone head of the Roman god, Mercury, have been found.
It is obvious that Einhard had high-hopes for Michelstadt and the basilica as he had relics of St. Marcellinus and Peter brought to Michelstadt, presumably to make the area a place of pilgrimage. The time of the relics in the town was short-lived, however, as they were relocated approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) away to Seligenstadt, where Einhard had built another basilica. It was in this basilica in Seligenstadt that Einhard and his wife were buried.
The removal of the relics and Einhard’s decision not to be buried in Michelstadt caused the Einhard Basilica to lose much of its importance, and it was not until almost 250 years after its construction that the monks of Lorsch, who had been given the basilica, created a provostship here. In 1230, the basilica was transformed into a Benedictine monastery, and a short time later it became a convent before becoming a hospital in the 16th century, a function that ceased in about 1622.
For around two hundred years, it appears the church was largely abandoned; however, in the mid-1800’s historians began to turn their attention to the basilica, recognizing the importance it had as an example of Carolingian architecture. Towards the end of the 19th century, restoration and preservation had already begun. The restoration work continued, and in 1967, the state of Hesse bought the basilica, continuing to ensure its conservation until the present day.
Address: Schlossstrasse 17, 64720 Michelstadt-Steinbach, +49 (0) 6061 73 967, info@schloessen.hessen.de
Getting There: The basilica is a ten-minute walk from the Michelstadt train station. On-site parking is available with a short walk to the basilica.
Opening Times:
April 01 - October 31: Tuesday - Sunday
All holidays, including Mondays
Entrance Fees:
Adult Single 3.50 euros
Group/Reduced 2.00 euros
Family Ticket 8.00 euros
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