This is the smaller of the two main sights on the island of Herrenchiemsee on the Chiemsee. A…read moreformer Augustinian Monastery turned palace and now museum and art gallery, King Ludwig II of Bavaria stayed here while planning the construction of the vast "new" Royal Palace 2km away in the centre of the island. It's close to the landing stage for the ferries, up a short but steep hill.
The original mediaeval monastery (founded in the 7th Century) was relocated around the island several times: in 1215 it became an auxiliary diocese under the Bishops of Salzburg, in an unusual arrangement whereby the monastery acted as the cathedral chapter.
It was rebuilt on the current site between 1645 and 1730, with the main rooms decorated in the Baroque style. In this form it enjoyed only a short life: the Cathedral-Abbey was secularised in 1803, and its diocese dissolved in 1808.
The island was then sold and passed through various owners who, among other things, demolished the cathedral church and sold off the furnishings. King Ludwig II of Bavaria acquired Herrenchiemsee in 1873, and had the former monastic buildings converted for his own use. The complex therefore became known as the "Old Palace", while work began on planning the New Herrenchiemsee Palace.
Today, only a limited part of the Abbey is open to the public, but this includes Ludwig's surprisingly modest private suite and the main state rooms, including the magnificent Imperial Hall, with a ceiling fresco by Benedikt Albrecht.
A whole wing has been dedicated to the paintings of Julius Exter (1863-1939) and other paintings by the so-called "Chiemsee artists) are also on show. There's also an exhibition about the conference held in 1948 to establish the Federal Republic of Germany.
Entry is by ticket only; these can be purchased at the Abbey or the ticket office at the landing stage. A combined ticket with the New Palace is available.
