Banz Castle
Banz Monastery also known as Banz Castle, a former Benedictine monastery, is situated in the valley of the Main River in the German state of Upper Franconia. This is a unique natural paradise, filled with over 900 years of turbulent history, which you must visit if you are in this part of Germany. On the opposite side of the river is Staffelberg castle, which is the emblem of the town of Staffelstein - former headquarters of the Franconian kings.
The monastery started to be discussed back in 1070, when Countess Alberada and her husband - Herman off Vohburg decided to donate their medieval castle on the hill Banz to the Benedictine Order as a monastery complex. Banz Monastery is considered the oldest along the Main.
In the late middle Ages, in 1505, the monastery was totally destroyed after a fire during the Thirty Year War. More than 100 years of restoration activities were needed to restore fully the construction of the monastery Banz.
According to historical chronicles, when it was completed and officially inaugurated in 1719, its beauty has exceeded all expectations. To this day Banz is considered a unique example of baroque architecture.
In the early 19th century, the cloister stops functioning as a monastery and was converted into a royal residence. Because of secularization, in 1802 the monks were expelled and here came the Bavarian kings during their summer vacations.
After this watershed moment in the history of the monastery of Banz, it is transformed into a palace and became a meeting place for many Imperial personages, and place of the death of famous artists. Many historical figures in Germany and several Russian tsars came to visit Banz.
During the World War, Castle Banz is converted into a military hospital and in the postwar times, the Baroque building serves as a nursing home for several years. Since the early 80s of last century, the former monastery complex Banz is owned by Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung and turned into a modern educational center.
Today the Banz castle is an attractive tourist attraction. It is a favorite destination for many families with children mostly because of its proximity to the complex Wald-Klettergarten. It is a park and an interesting place for climbing, abseiling and other skills to develop.
