Petershausen Abbey

Petershausen Abbey, known locally as Kloster Petershausen, is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque town of Constance in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This former Benedictine monastery, founded before 983, boasts a rich tapestry of history, from its founding days to its secularization in 1802. Today, it stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of history, housing the central exhibition of the Archaeological State Museum of Baden-Württemberg.

The Founding of Petershausen Abbey

The origins of Petershausen Abbey are deeply intertwined with the ambitions of Bishop Gebhard II of Constance. Established shortly before 983, the abbey was strategically located near the banks of the Rhine, mirroring the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This connection is reflected in its Latin name, Petri domus, which evolved into Petrihusa and eventually Petershausen.

The abbey's initial community comprised monks from the Einsiedeln Abbey, a Benedictine reform monastery founded in 934. Under Bishop Gebhard's guidance, Petershausen Abbey was granted exemption, allowing the convent to elect its abbot and protector freely. The consecration of the abbey church on October 28, 992, dedicated to Pope Gregory the Great, marked a significant milestone. The church housed a precious relic: the head of Pope Gregory, brought from Rome to Constance.

Reform and Imperial Freedom

The 11th century brought challenges and reforms to Petershausen Abbey. Bishop Gebhard III of Zähringen sought assistance from the Reform Abbey of Hirsau to revitalize the monastic spirit. Abbot Wilhelm of Hirsau dispatched Prior Theoderich to lead the reform efforts, resulting in a rejuvenated monastic community that even sent monks to other monasteries in need.

In 1159, a devastating fire razed the abbey, but reconstruction efforts from 1162 to 1180 restored and expanded its grandeur. By the late 12th century, the abbey came under the protection of the Staufer dynasty. Emperor Frederick II granted Petershausen Abbey imperial freedom in 1215, liberating it from episcopal control and securing further imperial and papal privileges.

The Council of Constance and the Reformation

The early 15th century saw Petershausen Abbey playing host to significant historical figures during the Council of Constance (1414-1418). King Sigismund stayed at the abbey, and Pope John XXIII, who was later deposed by the council, granted the abbot the right to wear pontifical insignia.

However, the abbey also faced decline during this period, culminating in the deposition of Abbot Diethelm II Wiss in 1443. The 15th and 16th centuries were marked by struggles for control between the city of Constance and the abbey. The Reformation further strained the abbey's stability, with the city demanding loyalty oaths from the monks and imposing civic duties and taxes. In 1530, the city expelled the convent, and the abbey suffered significant damage during the iconoclastic fury.

The Baroque Era

The 17th century brought a resurgence for Petershausen Abbey. It joined the Swabian Imperial Prelates' College in 1575, representing monastic interests in the Imperial Diet. The abbey also merged with the nearly extinct Abbey of St. George in Stein am Rhein and the Priory of Klingenzell, bolstering its economic viability.

Despite suffering during the Thirty Years' War, the abbey experienced a revival during the Counter-Reformation. Contracts with neighboring cities and the Teutonic Order Commandery of Mainau were established. Abbot Wunibald founded the Angel Brotherhood in 1671 to promote confession practices, and several monks gained renown as preachers and scholars.

Säkularisation and Modern Usage

The secularization of Petershausen Abbey in 1802 marked the end of its monastic life. The abbey's buildings were repurposed as residences for the sons of Margrave Karl Friedrich of Baden, who briefly styled themselves Counts of Petershausen. By 1807, the abbey was integrated into the Grand Duchy of Baden. The abbey's library was acquired by the University of Heidelberg, where significant works like the Petershausen Sacramentary and the Casus monasterii Petridomus are now digitized and accessible online.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the former abbey buildings served various military purposes, including as a military hospital and barracks. Today, they house the Archaeological State Museum of Baden-Württemberg, preserving the rich heritage of this historic site.

Petershausen Abbey stands as a testament to the resilience of history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while serving as a cultural and educational hub in the present. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual tourist, a visit to Petershausen Abbey promises a journey through time, revealing the layers of history that have shaped this remarkable site.