Sunday, June 12, 2011

Ettal Monastery and Basilica

Steve has recently read “Bonhoeffer” by Eric Metaxas.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and martyr. He was also a participant in the German resistance movement against Nazism and a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the German Military Intelligence Office to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, 23 days before the Nazis' surrender.  He spent several months writing and studying at Ettal Monastery in late 1940 to early 1941.  We were interested to see the Basilica and the monastery (founded in 1330 by Benedictine monks) where there is now a school, monastery, church and a brewery.Ettal Basilica 5-2011 (23)

Ettal Basilica 5-2011 (1)

I love old doors and this one was beautiful and worn.

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This gorgeous chandelier was the centerpiece of the basilica.

Ettal Basilica 5-2011 (8)Ettal Basilica 5-2011 (17)

The front altar area.

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The ceiling of the basilica….I am speechless.

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A plaque honoring Bonhoeffer and Mayer and the Nazi resistance.

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The monastery brewery founded in 1609 and still working.  It was a beautiful day and an interesting visit.

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