Reichenau

Reichenau The Benedictine monastery on the island of Reichenau in Lake Constance, close to the city of Constance, was founded according to tradition by St Pirmin in 724, the island being a gift from Charles Martel. The monastery quickly became a centre of learning, strongly supported by the Carolingians, and influential in ecclesiastical affairs at the imperial level. It gained its immunity from episcopal control in 815. From the 10th century only oblates of noble birth were admitted. After reaching an apogee in the 11th century, the temporal fortunes and cultural achievements of the monastery declined drastically. Very few chant manuscripts from the Reichenau have survived, one important...