HILDEGARD OF BINGEN ON RUPERTSBERG
Hildegard of Bingen left her home abbey on Disibodenberg between
1147 and 1151 and founded her abbey on Rupertsberg, on the Nahe
river.
“This abbey was founded not by an emperor or bishop, a powerful
or rich person of this world, but rather by a poor, weak, immigrant
woman. Within a short time, after 27 years, it has grown both in monastic
spirit and in external construction, such that it is well appointed
in all aspects, not with ostentatious but rather with imposing and
spacious buildings – such as befit nuns – and with a water pipe having
been installed in all work areas.“ (Guibert of Gembloux, 1177)
She wrote her principal works during her almost 30 years on Rupertsberg.
The abbey was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. Of
the abbey church, only six pillars survive from the south wall of the
nave. These can now be viewed. Almost four decades later, visitors
can now immerse themselves in the age of this famous woman – in
the original location.
Go in – the perfect illusion, as if you were actually entering the
abbey! Take the “lift to the past” and experience a virtual tour
of the abbey.
