November 7, 2024, 6:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Located in Hesse, Kloster Eberbach looks back on more than 900 years of history. It achieved worldwide fame in 1985, at the latest, when Hollywood filmed the bestseller “The Name of the Rose” here with Sean Connery in the leading role. Since then, countless film and television productions have been created here. The old building also holds an impressive national record.
In the quaint Hessian town of Eltville am Rhein, there’s a building famed far beyond Germany’s borders as one of the nation’s most beloved film locations. If these walls could whisper, they’d share tales of an eventful history spanning over 900 years. They’d recount stories of world-renowned stars and aspiring starlets who have graced this venue, filming for cinema and television for over 70 years. They’d speak of a place that has impressively bridged the gap between its storied past and modernity, even setting a national record. This place is none other than the monastery Kloster Eberbach.
According to the official website of Kloster Eberbach, the history of the place begins in 1136, when the Cistercian monk Bernhard von Clairvaux founded the abbey. It was not until 50 years later that the associated church was consecrated. In fact, some of the architectural additions took over 130 years to complete. In 1525, a looting during the Peasants’ War caused a stir because, among other things, a wine barrel containing 71,000 liters was emptied. During the Thirty Years’ War (1618-48), the monastery even lost 384,000 liters of wine in 1631, the sale of which was intended to finance a complete new building. From 1813 to 1912, the building served as a prison, and from 1815 to 1849 it was even used as a “lunatic asylum”.
Discovery as a movie set
Kloster Eberbach achieved worldwide fame in 1985 when it provided the impressive backdrop for the Hollywood blockbuster “The Name of the Rose”. French director Jean-Jacques Annaud opted for the Hessian abbey, having previously tested 300 similar buildings around the world for their suitability for a historical film. Starring the Scottish actor Sean Connery, the film achieved success on par with its literary predecessor. It catapulted Kloster Eberbach to the top of the list of sought-after, authentic film sets. As a tribute to its enduring legacy, the film is still showcased here in public viewings several times each year.
Since then, stars from film and television have come and gone here. ZDF filmed for its show “Der Staatsanwalt”, as did ARD’s “Tagesthemen” and the music show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”. Hollywood has also been a guest again in the meantime. The pillared halls of the monastery were also featured in the mega-successful series “Game of Thrones”. Incidentally, the very first production dates back to 1952, when the US movie “Decision Before Dawn” was filmed here just seven years after the end of the Second World War.
Kloster Eberbach is Germany’s largest winery
Beyond its cinematic allure, Kloster Eberbach has also carved out a niche as a sought-after hotel and conference center. Guests enjoy the guided tours as much as the wine tastings. You can also get married within the historic walls. Spanning over 200 hectares, the monastery proudly claims the title of Germany’s largest winery. For those unable to visit, the monastery’s fine wines, cultivated across four estates, are conveniently available for online purchase.
Eberbach Monastery’s website assures film and television producers of ’round-the-clock support, including expert advice, strategic permission agreements, and professional management to facilitate scouting, shooting schedules, on-site accommodation, and set work—every day of the year.’
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Plan your visit
In the high season from April 1 to October 31, Kloster Eberbach is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the doors open earlier at 9 am and close at 7 pm. Please note that admission ends half an hour prior to the ticket office closing. Keep in mind that the winery, the Klosterschänke, and other establishments on the premises have their own unique opening hours. These can be found on the official website. Admission currently costs 14 euros per person, reduced 13 euros. Participation in one of the regular guided tours costs eight euros per person.