Sundial on Reichenau Abbey

Sundial on Reichenau Island, Germany

This sundial is located on a wall of Reichenau Abbey on Reichenau Island. It shows not only the motto ‘Pray and Work’ (ora et labora) but also Saint Pirmin, the founder of Reichenau Abbey. The two snakes refer to the fact that he is considered to be a patron against snake bites.

Herb garden on Reichenau Island

Herb garden located near Mittelzell Minster on Reichenau Island, Germany

This garden seen next to the minster of Mittelzell is a reconstruction of the herb garden which was mentioned in the poem ‘De cultura hortorum‘ written by Walafrid Strabo in the years between 830 and 840. Strabo described in his work, which is also known as “Hortulus“, a little garden that he used to tend with his own hands.

Late Carolingian frescoes on Reichenau Island

Late Carolingian frescoes on Reichenau Island, Germany

At St George’s Basilica I had the change to see some frescoes showing scenes of Jesus Christ’s life described in the bible. Though I had always thought they were of Ottonian period I was told they were created even earlier, so they are considered late Carolingian (9th century).