Bebenhausen: A stunning glimpse of medieval monastic life

The Kloster Bebenhausen, a 12th century Cistercian monastery located about a ten-minute drive from Tuebingen, is one of the most photogenic places we have visited so far.  Although almost five centuries have passed since it was an active monastery, a profound sense of tranquility permeates as you stroll through the gracefully constructed abbey.  

Entering the abbey.

A view of the town of Bebenhausen from the abbey wall.

A good lookout point to check for potential troublemakers in this formerly lawless area of Germany. 

Cannons for defense of the abbey.

A deer head above a doorway.  I would like to know more about the meaning behind it...

Three family members, three different directions.

The parlatorium, where the monks were permitted to talk for one hour each day.  Further demonstrating their extremely humble lifestyle was their one daily meal, simple straw bed, and one hour of warming time by the fire each evening.  Hard core!

An entrance to the church.

A prior entry to the church.

Previously a walkway, now framing the town cemetery.

The well.

Strolling around the picturesque town of Bebenhausen.

Abandoned lawn chairs- one of my favorite photographic subjects, for some reason...

Entering the forest outside Bebenhausen.  Discovering a book exchange in the forest!  Germany is indeed an intellectual destination, taxing on the old noggin...

The woods are reminiscent of the southern Indiana forest, where my ancestors from this part of Germany settled in the mid 1800s.

Riding a wild boar!

The smile recognition function of my camera, resulting in a chaotic family photo.

Jumping for joy, strolling to a nearby village.

A village in the distance...