Ebstorf: Ebstorf Cloister

Ebstorf Cloister

Ebstorf Cloister lies in the pretty district of
Schwienautal and boasts the tranquil beauty and coherence of a medieval convent
complex that has survived for so many centuries. Favourable circumstances have
spared Ebstorf Cloister from fire and destruction and its conventuals have
never deserted it. Thus, in North Germany we encounter a Christian tradition
and culture that reflects and conveys our roots and values in a unique manner.

The former Benedictine cloister was converted
into a Protestant-Lutheran convent after the Reformation that was introduced
against fierce resistance. Today, formerly employed women from different
professional backgrounds choose to spend a phase of their lives in surroundings
that, in medieval times, were inhabited mainly by women from aristocratic
families.

The most notable treasures here at the cloister
and its church include: the Madonna from the time of the pilgrimages, enthroned
on the nun’s choir with a rear shrine in which the holy oil of the martyrs was
found as a relic, and the Ebstorf map of the world.

The Ebstorf map of the world depicts
the Christian-European view of the world towards the end of the Middle Ages in
a uniquely large format and elaborate detail.

Ebstorf Cloister houses many other art
treasures: the cloisters from the 13th and 14th centuries, for instance,
contain the stone corbels and keystones and the stained-glass window cycle in the covered walk, as
well as trunks and cabinets dating from 1177 onward.

The Gothic church that was always also the
parish church contains an early bronze baptismal font and, in the south nave,
colourful architectural sculptures depicting Christ, the apostles and St.
Mauritius, the cloister’s patron saint.

The nuns’ choir that today opens out towards
the church contains the Mauritius chandelier – from around 1400 – as well as
artefacts and sculptures from various eras.

Music evenings and exhibitions have been held
in the priory hall since the 1998 in addition to the concerts on the nuns’
choir that are so popular with artists and audience alike.

Timely registration in advance (at least one
week) is required for group visits.