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Herrenalb

The Cistercian monastery ALBA DOMINORUM in Bad Herrenalb, founded in 1149, is beside with Maulbronn and Bebenhausen the most impressive monastic building complex in Baden-Württemberg. Famous is its roman entrance hall (Paradise) with delicate column bundles in open arches. The 15th century gothic choir, now the altar room of the Lutheran Church, is remarkable for its beautiful networked roof with structured windows.

It is noteworthy for a very special feature: The intended tomb of the Marquis de Baden, Bernhard I, died in 1431, which he ordered for himself, but was not buried in. This empty tomb (cenotaph) is decorated by sculptures, before all the prophets from the Old Testament. The Herrenalb Prayer Book was written here at the Cistercian monastery in 1482-84, a richly illustrated, completely preserved medieval manuscript by the monk Jörg Zürn.