WESTWERK CAROLINGIEN ET CIVITAS DE CORVEY

Founded at the beginning of the ^9th century by Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, Corvey Abbey is a Carolingian monastery of prime importance, notably for its prestigious library.

The name Corvey derives from the Latin name Corbeia Nova, and has several variants throughout its history. The name also has a link with the locality of Corbie in Picardy, where an abbot, a founding member of the abbey, came from.

Throughout the ^9th and ^10th centuries, Corvey shone as a brilliant cultural center in the region. It even became the starting point for the Christianization of northern Europe. Its subsequent history is more than eventful, becoming a reformed abbey in the ^11th century (according to a monastic reform of Hirsau, very important in Germany and quite close to the precepts of Cluny). It then became a "princely abbey", a member of the Imperial Circle of Lower Rhine-Westphalia, with its abbot having voting rights.

Severely damaged during the Thirty Years' War, the abbey underwent major reconstruction in the ^17th century in the Baroque style in vogue at the time. It then declined in importance, becoming a family residence of the House of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. It is still owned today.

Corvey was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Your visit will focus on two areas: the abbey and the castle, which houses a museum. The majestic altar in the basilica is not to be missed. The château also features splendid Baroque rooms and a library.

The museum offers an interesting insight into twelve centuries of history. From the medieval period to the Baroque, with some superb exhibits.

The gardens are also well worth a visit. You'll be amazed to discover not only magnificent floral species, but also a medicinal apothecary garden dating back to the time of the Benedictines. Rare species usually found in southern Europe have taken up residence in Corvey's gardens, where a particularly mild microclimate allows them to flourish in peace and quiet. It all adds up to a very pleasant, peaceful feeling when you're out and about. You may even come across a bride and groom in the midst of their wedding, as Corvey is a romantic spot for photo shoots of the newlyweds.

Finally, as always in Germany, there's a café where you can relax over breakfast or a snack.