Kloster Eberbach

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We crossed the Rhine by car/ferry to go to this Ciscernian monastery which was initially built in the early 1100 and gradually added on and changed during the years. It is no longer a monastery but is still a vineyard with wine for sale.
It was set up for the monks to lead a prayerful yet fufilling life with the work of the vineyards being done by themselves and lay brothers.
The monks had to work and pray as was there directive but because praying involved 7 sessions a day, including a 2 hour night sessions, and only allowed 2 times a day, for eating most of the hard work was done by the lay brothers.
The monks were also involved in hand writing texts and prayer books and bibles. This was done because the printing press was yet to be invented. Lay brothers could not usually read or write.
Take an audio guide when you do this tour, it's informative and easy to follow, and leads you around the expansive grouds.

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Photos

Kloster
Inside the inner courtyard

Meeting room
A room where the monks could talk and discuss matters

Meeting room
Celing details

Refectory
Where the monks ate, only two times a day midday and late afternoon

Refectory
Celing details and head monks pictures

Refectory
The four corners of the room have an angel representing the 4 seaons, this is autumn

Lay brothers
These men ate and slept in another building and were the ones that did most of the wine making

Lay brothers
Their refectory and dormitory which now houses the wine presses

Lay brothers
Refectory