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Faith Matters - New Light in old Walls - Windows for Tholey Abbey

May 2, 2021

The small village of Tholey in southwestern Germany is home to the oldest monastery on German soil. Founded in the seventh century, the Abbey of St Maurice was plundered and badly damaged 1000 years later during the wars of the French Revolution, and only re-established in 1949. But local philanthropists have breathed new life into the old walls.

https://p.dw.com/p/3sqoz

The renovations carried out between 2008 and 2021 could make Tholey Abbey an international tourist destination. The highlight of the extensive works are the stained glass windows for the north and south aisles of the abbey church by Afghanistan-born artist Mahbuba Maqsoodi, who lives and works in Munich, and the three choir windows designed by Germany’s most famous living artist, Gerhard Richter. The art establishment are calling this the most significant project of its kind on the continent of Europe.