With the aim of obtaining money from the municipality for an investigation of the "Roman Tower" in Wessobrunn, the association "Wessofontanum" initially failed. But she continues to fight for the project. During a day of action, the tower can be visited.
Wessobrunn – "If you want to explore the otherwise closed tower inside, you will find an opportunity here," the association says on its day of action. At the event, which is part of the Bavaria-wide "Heimat.Erlebnistag", guided tours of 21 minutes each will be offered every half hour on Sunday, May 10, from 16 a.m. to 20 p.m. on the monastery grounds in Wessobrunn at four locations: in the prelate's wing, at the fountain house, in the parish church and in the so-called Roman tower.
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Roman tower in Wessobrunn: An "extraordinarily rare example of a medieval monastery castle"
This building, also known as the "Grey Duke", is "an extraordinarily rare example of a medieval monastery castle", according to "Wessofontanum" chairman Hans Rohrmann. And this had "fortunately come into our time in its core still in a largely authentic state". For this reason, "Wessofontanum" is striving to start scientific building research on the tower. "There are many legends and also many unanswered questions about the actual time of origin, the construction technology, the medieval defense technology and the aspects of use at that time," Rohrmann explains the purpose of the planned study. Although the years around 1220 were circulated as the time of origin of the tower, which is owned by the municipality, the construction technology actually speaks for an earlier phase.
According to Rohrmann, a further offer will be obtained for the desired building research, "as suggested by the municipal council"; possibly even more than one will be commissioned. In addition, sponsors, perhaps also foundations, are to be sought for the project, who will "financially support" the municipality and "Wessofontanum". The aim of the association is to research and preserve Wessobrunn's cultural heritage. According to Rohrmann, she is planning a second attempt to ask the municipality for support for building research.
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Investigation of the Roman tower: Municipal council had spoken out against cost sharing
In the first offer for the investigation of the Roman tower, the costs were estimated at around 12,000 euros. At the request of "Wessofontanum", the municipal council then discussed whether the municipality should participate financially in the project. There was a controversial discussion in this regard in the committee. In the end, the municipal council unanimously voted against a complete assumption of the costs. Previously, it had already been rejected by a 7-7 vote to postpone the decision and wait for a second cost estimate. There was also no majority for a subsidy of 4000 euros (5:9 votes).
Open Day
On the "Wessofontanum" day of action on Sunday, 21 May, in addition to the guided tours, there will be sausage rolls as well as coffee and cake in front of the Roman Tower from noon (in case of bad weather in the parish hall). The event is part of the Bavaria-wide "Heimat.Erlebnistag". Online information about "Wessofontanum" at wessofontanum.de.
According to Rohrmann, another argument in favour of the structural investigation is that it would have to be carried out anyway if restoration work on the tower were to be carried out in the future. The fact that the building still exists today is not a matter of course: the tower is not even visible on old engravings, says Rohrmann. According to the art historian, this is an indication that the "Grey Duke" was not considered part of the monastery ensemble at all and that its demolition was planned.
Previously unknown graphic sheet provides information about the monastery church, which was demolished in 1810
At the general meeting of "Wessofontanum", the Roman tower project was also discussed. However, it was also about a find which, according to a statement, provides "interesting information" about the interior and furnishings of the Wessobrunn monastery church, which was demolished in 1810: a previously unknown graphic sheet with a depiction from around 1745. This shows in particular the treasures (treasures) of the monastic "Heilthumschatz", which contained a number of relics. Ulrich Fürst from Peißenberg, a lecturer at the Institute of Art History at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, spoke about the find.
+For her commitment to "Wessofontanum", Edith Förster was made an honorary member.
© Cathrin Hartmann
+Diemud Pröbstl is now also an honorary member. Chairman Hans Rohrmann honored them.
© Cathrin Hartmann
At the meeting, Diemud Pröbstl and Edith Förster were appointed honorary members of the "Wessofontanum". Pröbstl has rendered outstanding services to the association as an archivist and auditor, Förster as a photographer and in the supervision of the annual journal.
By the way: Everything from the region can also be found in our regular Schongau newsletter. And in our Weilheim-Penzberg newsletter.