Siessen was a discovery : a large monastic type complex in southern Baden Wurttemberg populated even today by nuns. We saw a singing workshop and I have a souvenir organ score bought from their shop.
This foundation began as a a Dominican nun foundation in the 13th century ; was severely damaged by the Swedes in the Thirty Years War - a familar story for these parts ; the monastery buildings rebuilt under the Vorarlberg master Franz Beer 1716-22 ; dissolved in 1803 ; became home of the Siessen Franciscan nuns from 1860 right through to today (except for temporary expulsion under Hitler).
The Zimmermann brothers were involved in the design and decoration of the church 1726-9 and it was consecrated in 1733.
The choirs where the nuns sat for services were built one above the other : the summer choir above the winter.
After the Second World War substantial restoration removed some 19th century alterations so that the building we see today is nearer the 18th century original.Frescos in the summer choir were by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Renovation 2002-3 saw further changes and the installation of late roccoco style pulpit, 2 side altars and a main altar.
My overriding impression remains the white stucco and the beauty of the fresco cycle. The photos below capture the flavour of the place.
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| Winter choir below and summer choir above. |
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