12 Stunningly Beautiful Ruined Abbeys & Churches
Across the world, churches, abbeys and other religious buildings remain among the most visited destinations year in and year out. Even for those without religious affiliation, these buildings offer a certain mysticism and romanticism that is quite unique to these types of building. With ruins, this mysticism only intensifies. While they represent destruction and decay, there is an undeniable beauty to ruined buildings. Below are 12 awe-inspiring abbeys and churches in Europe.
1. Heisterbach Abbey: North Rhine-Westphalia
Heisterbach Abbey: North Rhine-Westphalia
This Cistercian abbey was first founded in 1189 and consecrated in October 1237. Heisterbach Abbey was previously one of the most profitable of the Cistercian orders, drawing revenue from nearby towns as well as holding a number of large possessions. It was dissolved in 1803 during secularization, and has since been used to house an English garden, for tourism promotional photography, and since 1919 has again been a base for the area’s religious community. The domed remain, situated within the Siebengebirge, hints at the previous richness of an abbey which is now hidden within the woods and mountains.
Heisterbach Abbey, Heisterbacher Straße, 53639 Königswinter, Germany, +49 211 9269355.
2. Hirsau Abbey | Baden-Württemberg
Forest
3. Holyrood Abbey: Edinburgh
Holyrood Abbey: Edinburgh
The first of the Scottish entries on our list, Holyrood Abbey has been been ruined since the 18th century and has not been used as an Abbey since the 17th century. It served as a royal residence from its inception in 1128 and hosted coronations, weddings, births and burials of numerous heads of state from the 12th to 17th century. The remaining nave is one of the area’s most precious examples of medieval architecture. Free tours run throughout the summer months.
Holyrood Abbey, Canongate, Edinburgh, UK, +44 (0)131 556 5100
Jumièges Abbey: Normandy
One of the oldest and largest Benedictine monasteries in France. In near-continuous operation for over 1000, Jumièges Abbey became one of the many victims of the French Revolution, when it was forced into ruin at the end of the 18th century. It was first founded in 654 as part of a gift of forested land and was reconstructed in 1067 by William the Conqueror. Its white towers rise over 50 meters in height, creating an impressive spectacle for visitors and the site has previously named as the most beautiful ruins in France.
Jumièges Abbey, Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, 76480 Jumièges, France, +33 2 35 37 24 02.
4. Rievaulx Abbey: North Yorkshire
Monastery, Ruins
5. Quin Abbey: County Clare
Quin Abbey: County Clare
Quin Abbey was first built in the 15th century under the Franciscan order on the remains of an earlier Norman castle. It is currently a national monument, due both to its architecture and in part to its turbulent history. On several occasions the monks were driven off or killed, most notably under Henry VIII and later Oliver Cromwell. It was officially suppressed in 1541 but had a handful of monks inhabiting it until the 19th century. From the top of the tower, which is still structurally sound, visitors can admire views of the surrounding countryside.
Quin Abbey, Ennis, Co. Clare, Republic of Ireland
6. St Mary's Basilica: Krakow
Church
7. St Nicholas' Church: Hamburg
Building, Church
8. Tintern Abbey: Monmouthshire
Ruins
9. Villers Abbey: Wallonia
Ruins
Wang Church: Karpacz
The Wang Church was very close to being pulled down in the 1830s due to the belief that it was unsafe and too small. Fortunately, a long drawn-out protest effort by painter Johan Christian Dahl resulted in the church being reconstructed at a different site in order to ensure its structural safety. The original four-post stave church was built around 1200, and its 19th century reconstruction painstakingly emulated the 13th century characteristics. It is believed to be the most visited stave church in the world, and is a testament to the importance of this style of architecture over the centuries.
Wang Church, Na Śnieżkę 8, Karpacz, Poland, +48 75 752 82 90.
10. Whitby Abbey: North Yorkshire
Whitby Abbey: North Yorkshire
The only Abbey that has a stake to fame in inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whitby Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey which has stunning views across the North Yorkshire countryside and the north sea. It was founded in 657CE and, like the other British Abbeys on the list, fell under Henry VIII. Prior to this, it was attacked several times in the 8th century by the Danes, and was reinforced to its current structure after this time. The substantial Gothic remains presents visitors with impressive architecture made grander by its stark surroundings.
Whitby Abbey, Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK, +44 (0)1947 603568.
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