Just across town, the tall twin spires of the Einhard Basilika pierce the sky. Behind them, the…read moreshorter, more rounded octagonal "Angel's Tower" rises up from the basilica's sloping black tile roof. Built in 830 AD, local lore has it that the basilika was built from the stones of the ancient Roman citadel situated here. The builder was, of course, our old friend Einhard, whose remains are interred inside the basilica. Einhard, it turns out, was quite a lad--local lore has it that he eloped with Charlemagne's daughter, Emma. The emperor eventually came across her when she served him pancakes in an inn.
Behind the basilika you enter an expansive 7.5-acre garden. It's surrounded by a long stone wall. Hedi tells me, "The Benedictine monks used plant and herbal medicines extensively and also grew their own produce. The garden still grows fruit trees, and vegetables and herbs that, in their day, were used in the monks' kitchen". There are also farm animals here like sheep, pigs, chickens and so on. Unfortunately a lot of these garden areas are closed for renovation at the moment.
There is a cafe located in the garden grounds and there is a shop you can buy things produced by the monastery. Unfortunately the shop was closed due to the renovation. There are many events that happen here throughout the year and is a location for weddings as well.
Beautiful place to visit when in town. It's open till 8pm most days.