A Roman villa with baths was built on the site of the present abbey in the 3rd century AD. The Frankish deacon Adalgisel Grimo built a church on its foundations at the beginning of the 7th century. The church is mentioned for the first time in his will of 634 AD, in which he bequeathed it to the Bishop of Verdun. 100 years later, a rectangular choir was added to the church, and it was probably at this time that Benedictine monastic life began in Tholey. In 1260, work began on the abbey’s now famous early Gothic church. The portal, the mighty west tower and some of the lancet windows were even taken from the Roman building. The building was completed in 1300 and served as an abbey and pilgrimage church. In the centuries that followed, the church enjoyed a period of great splendour, but was also damaged by war, fire and looting. After the French Revolution, the abbey was dissolved and the buildings were auctioned off. At the beginning of the 19th century, a resident of Tholey bought it and donated it to the municipality as a parish church and residence for the parish priest. In December 1949, Pope Pius XII restored the abbey and filled it with Benedictine life.
Monks from Trier came to Tholey and settled in the monastery. To this day, the monks live according to the rules of St Benedict.
In recent years, the church has been extensively renovated, and 33 new stained glass windows have been installed. 30 of these were designed by the Muslim artist Mahbuba Maqsoodi. The designs for the choir windows were donated to the monastery by the renowned artist Gerhard Richter. In addition to the windows, the organ and the 17th-century wooden choir stalls, decorated with symbols of the daily duties of the Benedictine monks, are historical relics of particular cultural significance. At the entrance to the monastery garden, the tourist information office sells the abbey’s own products, such as honey and jam. At the end of the journey into the monastic world, the Baroque garden and tea house invite you to take a leisurely stroll. Ambling over the grounds with fragrant beds of roses and lavender is a pleasant way to end the day.
Don’t miss
The early Gothic abbey church built between 1230 and 1260 AD with its 37 new windows is particularly worth seeing. The three choir windows by Gerhard Richter are more than nine metres hight.Â
Depending on the time of day, the colourful stained glass windows will direct your view into the upper garden, where the varied play of colours of the light reflections in the interior is reflected on the vaulted caps and the wall surfaces.
The Baroque organ case dates from 1736 and was built by Roman Benedikt Nollet from Trier.
The abbey church features high quality works by the church goldsmith Fritz Schwerd from 1963. The wooden choir stalls in the main choir of the abbey church date from 1704. They have a high back wall with projecting beams. 14 sculptures – seven on each side – symbolise the duties of the daily monastic routine.
For church opening times, please see here.
For further information on entrance fees and opening times, please see here.
Tours
Visit the monastery garden and abbey church on your own. You can purchase our brochure for the most important information about Tholey Abbey.
Guided tours (without prior registration):
On weekends we offer open guided tours. They lasts 90 minutes and are supported by an audio guide.
These tours take place on Saturdays at 2.15 pm and on Sundays at 12.15 pm and 2.15 pm.
You can buy tickets in the visitor centre. For prices, please see opening times/entrance fees.
To secure your place, we recommend booking.
Guided tours for groups
Groups for up to 19 people can discover Tholey Abbey with a certified guide. Guided tours last
Please note: Group size is limited to 19 due to coronavirus regulations.
Group tours depend on the monks’ daily routine and start at the following times: 10.15 am (except Sundays), 11.45 am, 12.15 am, 1.45 pm, 2.15 pm and 3.30 pm.
Daily up-to-date information can be found here.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact buchung@abtei-tholey.de or by phone +49 (0)6853 920 840
