Lorsch

About

The beautiful gatehouse entrance to the abbey is one of the few examples of post-Roman but pre-Romanesque architecture that still survives in Germany today. Founded in the eighth century, the site includes well-preserved sculptures and paintings from that era. The abbey plays a vital role in German history because the abbey chronicle written there was entered in the Lorscher Codex, which was compiled in the 1170s and is regarded to be the fundamental document for early medieval German history. The abbey is possibly also one of the smallest UNESCO heritage sites in Europe, which makes it ideal for a short stop by. The short walk through the site is accompanied by explanatory displays on the path to what remains of the church today while the gatehouse contains some fine Carolingian frescos. The well-kept gardens provide the perfect location to sit, admire and contemplate this fascinating historical antiquity.