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Old Abbey Mettlach
The Old Abbey in Mettlach is a former Benedictine monastery with origins tracing back to the 7th century, closely associated with the legacy of Saint Lutwinus. The current main building is a magnificent Baroque structure, erected between 1727 and 1776 according to the designs of architect Christian Kretzschmar. Following secularization in 1802 and the subsequent dissolution of the monastery, Jean-François Boch acquired the property in 1809. Since then, the former abbey has served as the global headquarters for the renowned ceramics company Villeroy & Boch. A standout architectural gem on the grounds is the 'Old Tower' (Alter Turm), an octagonal building dating from the 10th century, which is recognized as the oldest preserved sacred structure in Saarland. Today, the complex also houses the 'Old Abbey Discovery Center,' providing visitors with insights into over 250 years of ceramics manufacturing history and the site's monastic past. The fusion of historic architecture, industrial innovation, and expansive parklands makes Mettlach a major cultural landmark in the region.
- Location: Saarland, Germany
- Top sights: Museumsbunker · Schloss Saareck · Kapelle Sankt Joseph
- Nearby: Merzig (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 57 | 57 | 46 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 72 | 56 | 65 | 68 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The abbey was founded around 676 AD by Saint Lutwinus.
- The 'Old Tower' was built around 990 AD as a funerary chapel for the founder.
- The main building features an impressive Baroque facade measuring 112 meters in length.
- The facility has been owned by the Boch family and Villeroy & Boch since 1809.
- The interior houses a ceramics museum displaying exhibits from various eras.
- The abbey park is home to a rare giant sequoia dating back to the mid-19th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old Abbey Mettlach (10)
Evangelische Kirche Mettlach
Church building in Mettlach, used by the Protestant congregation.
Lutwinuskapelle
Chapel in Mettlach, dedicated to Saint Lutwinus.
Mettlacher Saarbrücke
Bridge in Mettlach, crossing the Saar river.
St. Lutwinus
Parish church in Mettlach, a Catholic place of worship.
Ehemaliges Kapuzinerkloster⛪ monastery
Former Capuchin monastery in Mettlach, now used for other purposes.
Felsenklippe
Viewpoint on a rock cliff, offering a panorama of Mettlach.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is located in the Old Abbey of Mettlach today?
Can the Abbey be visited?
What is the Old Tower in Mettlach?
Is there a park at the Abbey?
How far is the Abbey from the Saarschleife?
Old Abbey Mettlach: where is it located?
Old Abbey Mettlach: what is there to see?
Old Abbey Mettlach: when is the best time to visit?
Old Abbey Mettlach: why is it worth visiting?
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