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  • UNESCO

Germany’s Carolingian Westwork

January 12, 2019 | Michael Turtle | 9 Comments

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

Just one week into my trip to see all of Germany’s World Heritage Sites, UNESCO went and added another one. What are the chances?

The international organisation only adds new ones once a year and only about 20 at a time (26 in 2014). It was just my luck that they chose one in the country I was travelling in at the time.

At first, I was a bit annoyed. The challenge already involved seeing 38 sites in just 30 days and now I had to squeeze another one in.

In hindsight, though, I’m glad this happened. Otherwise I would never have gone to the Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

The site is in the centre of Germany – not near anything in particular, although the nearest main city is Hanover, about 100 kilometres away. The rural setting is part of the beauty of the place, though.

Although it played a critical role in the spread of Christianity in Europe, it remained geographically separate from the grand cities of the continent and their large religious constructions which often were to show off power more than faith.

The work of the Civitas Corvey was focused purely on theology.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

The westwork – the monumental entrance to the church – here is the only standing structure in the world that is left from the Carolingian Empire. While this particular empire is not that well known by this name, it is hugely important in the history of Europe.

The Carolingian Empire covered much of Western Europe in the 9th century and would be the genesis for the creation of the kingdoms of France and Germany.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

So what exactly is the site itself? A good question and one that I couldn’t really answer before I arrived.

It’s obviously not a popular tourist spot and the name is a bit confusing. So let me try to describe it for you myself.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

There are two main sections. The first is the church, which has the important westwork as its entrance on the western side.

Inside, it is small but beautiful. It also has a deep history and people have worshipped on this site for nearly 1200 years.

It is a rather understated for such a significant house of worship – relics went from here to churches all across Europe as the Christian faith was taken to the people of the north.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

The second section of Corvey is much larger and more impressive in its grandeur. It is made up of the multi-levelled monastery building that holds many treasures and is a piece of art in itself.

There’s a slight contradiction in the rooms here. While some are rather plain and reflect the purity of the pious men, there are also elaborately decorated and furnished rooms.

This is because, during the course of history, the building was used to host German emperors and kings because of its significant political position.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

Visiting the Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey

It is possible to see the church and the monastery buildings on your own, although there are also guided tours offered.

The church is quite small and doesn’t take too long to see. The other parts of the building are quite expansive, though, and there is a fair amount to see.

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Germany

One of the highlights of the visit is the incredible library that has more than 74,000 books in it. It is one of the largest and most valuable private collections of books in Germany.

The library is made up of 15 different connected rooms and has 200 different bookcases. Interestingly, it has a decent collection of fictions, travel books and even romance novels!

The Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey is located at:
Schloss Corvey, 37671, Höxter, Germany.
You can see it on a map here.

The Corvey site is open at the following times:
1st April – 1st November: 1000 – 1800
The rest of the year, it is closed.
Entry to the church and the monastery buildings costs €6 for an adult.
A concessions entry ticket costs €2.50.
To get to the Corvey site, catch the train to Höxter and then either walk or take a taxi for about 2 kilometres.
There is not much accommodation near the site but there are enough options for a night.
If you're looking for something budget, you're probably best off with Gästehaus am Räuschenberg.
For something a bit more upmarket, have a look at Ringhotel Niedersachsen
Item copy
If you’re travelling to the site by public transport, it can be a little tricky so make sure you leave yourself enough time to see the buildings properly.” id=6]
You can find out more information at the official website for the Corvey site.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more info click here. You can see all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve visited here.

Time Travel Turtle was supported by DB Bahn, the German National Tourist Board and Youth Hostels in Germany but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. raj |

    April 3, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Reply

    Awesome Pics, Thanks.

    • Michael Turtle |

      April 12, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      Reply

      Thanks, Raj.

  2. Laura @Travelocafe |

    April 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Reply

    Beautiful place.

    • Michael Turtle |

      April 12, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      Reply

      It definitely is. A great little find off the usual tourist track.

  3. Dolphin home stay in agra |

    May 25, 2015 at 6:36 am

    Reply

    Thanks for great blog information to the Carolingian west traveling. I like the best destination in the famous for corvey Germany.

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 13, 2015 at 1:31 pm

      Reply

      My pleasure. I’m not sure how well known it is outside of Germany but now that it’s on the World Heritage List, there might be some more visitors!

  4. Same Day Agra Tours |

    June 20, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    Reply

    Thanks for great blog suggestion, in many travelers to show in Caroliangian . It is best trip to the travelers for almost experience in wonderful city of Germany. I like it!

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 24, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Reply

      Yes, it’s something a little different, isn’t it?

  5. Budget Hotel in Agra |

    August 11, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Reply

    Thanks for sharing to the famous journey in beautiful holidays vacation to enjoyed.

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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