Lüne Abbey

Lüne Abbey is located in the town of Lüneburg in the German state of Lower Saxony. It sits in the northern part of the town and remains an active religious site to this day. The abbey was originally founded in 1176 by the Benedictine order.

Yes, you can visit the abbey, which continues to function as a Lutheran women's convent following the Protestant Reformation. It is renowned for being one of the few medieval convents in Germany that maintained its function and historical architecture. Visitors often come to see the stunning medieval cloisters and the impressive collection of historical textiles.

Lüne Abbey is incredibly famous for its collection of medieval textiles, including some of the best-preserved Gothic wall tapestries in Europe. These tapestries, dating back to the 15th century, depict religious scenes and were historically used to insulate the cold stone walls of the convent. The abbey's textile collection provides a rare glimpse into medieval monastic art.

Unlike many monasteries that were dissolved during the Reformation, Lüne Abbey transitioned into a Lutheran women's convent in the 16th century. The local nobility, who supported the Reformation, protected the site and allowed the nuns to remain. A famous historical account details how the nuns famously dropped hot ashes on a visiting Reformer to prevent him from taking over their convent.