In our life today of high tech gadgets, cable television with ’round the clock news, and a standard of living that was only dreamed about only a century ago; it’s hard to picture life in a medieval monastery. Or, even the Middle Ages as a whole.
Well, back in those turbulent and bloody times, life in Ebersberg centered around its 10th century monastery; where monks were tucked away from the rest of the world making beer (don’t be shocked — this is Bavaria), growing produce, and renouncing all worldly goods.
They might not have renounced too much, Ebersberg’s Town Hall on Marienplatz is housed in the monastery’s tavern.
No, I’m not making light the economic power and status of a medieval monk; religious life was hard work and serious business. The time period gave us some of the most beautiful churches; like the pilgrimage Wallfahrtskirche St. Sebastian. The oldest section of the church is the west part, built around 1230 and its choir built sometime in the 15th century.
After the medieval period ended, religious life was still an important aspect in Ebersberg. It’s now home to a Cross Museum with many crosses made from the 17th to 19th centuries. And, the Klosterbauhof (a former farm building of the monastery) is now the center of the town’s modern cultural life.
There are also many other religious sites within town, for which Ebersberg is quite proud; including the Kapelle Halbing, a tiny chapel with sundial and surrounded by flowers. The grotto of the Marienkapelle is shaded by tall trees and also decorated with flowers.
Ebersberg isn’t all religious sites, before you ask. No, the town sits in the Ebersberger Forest with the Aussichsturm (an observation tower) rising high above the forest floor for sweeping eagle-eye views of the landscape. Swimming in the Egglburger See, a recreational lake, is always a good idea.
Oh, I can’t forget about the Museum Wald und Umwelt, a museum with information about what you’ll find within the forest area.
I can’t guarantee that you’ll fully understand the life of the monks that once used to call Ebersberg home, but a visit here sure will help. Not to mention, you can reward yourself with a good beer and some delicious food after you’ve finished your history lesson!
